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Le Duel a Mort, 1869. Artist: George du Maurier
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Le Duel a Mort, 1869. Artist: George du Maurier
Le Duel a Mort, 1869. In an effort to stem the rising tide of his unpopularity, Napoleon III had relaxed press censorship in France. This led to a number of republican journals making their appearance and battle lines were drawn between these and the Orleanist faction. This cartoon shows a representative of each slugging it out whilst perilously balanced on the top of a tall gibbet with the nooses already around their necks. One or other would fall to an untimely death. From Punch, or the London Charivari, August 28, 1869
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Media ID 14831212
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Bonaparte Charles Louis Napoléon Charles Louis Napoleon Bonaparte Death Sentence Duel Emperor Napoleon Iii Fight Fighter George Du George Du Maurier Gibbet Heritage Image Partnership Lance Louis Napoleon Maurier Napoleon Bonaparte Iii Napoleon Iii Noose Shooting Spectator Metaphor
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Le Duel a Mort, 1869 - A Battle for Power and Press Freedom
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This print captures a pivotal moment in French history during the late 19th century. In an attempt to regain public favor, Napoleon III loosened press censorship in France. However, this decision ignited fierce rivalry between republican journals and the Orleanist faction. George du Maurier's satirical cartoon depicts two representatives of these opposing factions engaged in a deadly duel atop a towering gibbet. With nooses already around their necks, one misstep could lead to their untimely demise. The metaphorical stakes are high as each fighter represents not only his own cause but also the fate of his political affiliation. The image showcases the intensity of this battle for power and freedom of expression. Spectators watch anxiously from below as guns are fired and lances clash amidst the backdrop of a serene river flowing beneath an arched bridge. Through this caricature, du Maurier highlights the precarious nature of politics during that era. It serves as both social commentary on the consequences faced by those who challenge authority and a reminder that even seemingly invincible figures can meet their downfall. As we examine this monochrome engraving today, it offers us insight into nineteenth-century France's complex socio-political landscape while reminding us of the timeless struggle for power and its consequences throughout history.
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