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The Tempter, 1886. Artist: Joseph Swain
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The Tempter, 1886. Artist: Joseph Swain
The Tempter, 1886. The spectre of Anarchy looms tall over the working class man as, blindly, he heads towards the edge of a precipice. This relates to a Socialist meeting held in Trafalgar Square in mid November 1886. Resolutions were passed in favour of State regulation of labour and more equal distribution of property. The terrible nature of the distress suffered by many working class families was highlighted but, beneath the surface, Socialist agitators used the opportunity to make inflammatory statements. From Punch, or the London Charivari, November 27, 1886
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Media ID 14831985
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Anarchy Cliff Cliffs Danger Dangerous Desperate Distress Heritage Image Partnership John Tenniel Joseph Swain Sir John Tenniel Social Class Socialism Swain Tenniel Unrest Working Class
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The Tempter, 1886
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a powerful and thought-provoking print that captures the essence of social unrest and political tension in 19th century England. Created by Joseph Swain and John Tenniel, this monochrome engraving portrays the spectre of Anarchy looming over a working-class man who unknowingly approaches the edge of a precipice. The image serves as a commentary on the Socialist meeting held in Trafalgar Square during November 1886. While resolutions were passed advocating for state regulation of labor and more equitable distribution of property, it also provided an opportunity for agitators to make inflammatory statements. The distress experienced by many working-class families is highlighted, emphasizing their desperate circumstances. Through clever caricature and satire, Swain skillfully depicts the dangerous concept of anarchy while subtly critiquing socialism's potential consequences. The cliff symbolizes both physical danger and metaphorical peril faced by society if radical ideologies are pursued without caution. This heritage image partnership between Swain and Tenniel offers us a glimpse into the socio-political climate of the time. It reminds us that even in times past, issues such as class struggle, inequality, and societal upheaval have been prevalent themes. "The Tempter" serves as a reminder to reflect upon history's lessons while considering our own contemporary challenges surrounding social class divisions and political ideologies.
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