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The Open Door!, 1885. Artist: Joseph Swain
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The Open Door!, 1885. Artist: Joseph Swain
The Open Door!, 1885. Captain Moonlight, the representative of Irish anarchy, has his knife in his belt and his rifle in his hand as he steps through the open door. It had previously been barred by the Crimes Act (Ireland). This illustrates the expiry of the Act. The Conservative Home Secretary, Sir Michael Hicks Beach, alleged that the previous Liberal government had intended to remove a number of legislative procedures only applicable to Ireland. Gladstone said that they had intended to retain measures such as special juries and boycotting where necessary. It was feared that the lapse of this Act would lead to renewed violence in Ireland. From Punch, or the London Charivari, October 10, 1885
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Media ID 14831933
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Anarchy Conservative Conservative Party Door Doorway Earl Gladstone Heritage Image Partnership Ireland Irish John Tenniel Joseph Swain Knife Knives Legislation Liberal Liberal Party Masked Rifle Sir John Tenniel Swain Tenniel Violence Violent William Ewart William Ewart Gladstone 1st Earl St Aldwyn Hicks Beach Sir Michael Hicks Beach
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a powerful moment in history, titled "The Open Door!, 1885". Created by Joseph Swain and John Tenniel, this engraving depicts Captain Moonlight, the representative of Irish anarchy, stepping through an open door. The significance lies in the fact that this door had previously been barred by the Crimes Act (Ireland), which expired at the time of this illustration. The image serves as a political commentary on the Conservative Home Secretary's allegations against the previous Liberal government. Sir Michael Hicks Beach claimed that they intended to remove certain legislative procedures applicable only to Ireland. However, William Ewart Gladstone clarified their intention to retain measures like special juries and boycotting when necessary. There was widespread fear that with the lapse of this Act, violence would resurge in Ireland. This cartoonish portrayal highlights not only the concept of violence but also key elements such as weapons like guns and knives prominently displayed by Captain Moonlight. "The Open Door!" is a thought-provoking piece reflecting upon 19th-century politics and social unrest in Ireland. It showcases Joseph Swain's talent for satire and caricature while shedding light on significant figures such as Earl St Aldwyn, Sir Michael Hicks Beach, William Ewart Gladstone, and John Tenniel. This heritage image partnership print from Heritage Images offers viewers a glimpse into a turbulent period marked by ideological clashes between conservative and liberal parties amidst concerns about law enforcement strategies specific to Ireland.
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