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Cartoon, The Happy Robbers (Gladstone and Bright)
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Cartoon, The Happy Robbers (Gladstone and Bright)
Cartoon, The Happy Robbers -- John Bright as Falstaff and William Gladstone as Prince Hal (Henry IV) in a Shakespearean scene, a satirical comment on their stealing the General Election victory from the Conservative party. Date: 1868
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Media ID 23361506
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1868 Analogy Bright Canterbury Comment Gladstone Majority Satire Satirical Shakespeare Signpost Tankard 1860s
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This cartoon print, titled "The Happy Robbers" or "Cartoon, The Happy Robbers -- John Bright as Falstaff and William Gladstone as Prince Hal," dates back to 1868, during the Victorian era in Britain. The satirical image offers a witty commentary on the political events unfolding at the time, specifically the General Election of that year. The cartoon draws an analogy between the Shakespearean characters Falstaff and Prince Hal, portrayed by John Bright and William Gladstone respectively, and their alleged theft of the election victory from the Conservative party. In this scene, Gladstone, dressed as the boisterous and jovial Prince Hal, is shown raising a tankard in a London inn, while Bright, in the guise of the roguish Falstaff, points to a signpost that reads "Canterbury" – a nod to the famous scene in Henry IV where Falstaff and his companions plan to rob on the road to that city. The satirical intent of the cartoon is evident in the juxtaposition of the medieval setting and the contemporary political context. The use of Falstaff and Prince Hal, characters known for their drinking and mischief, to represent Gladstone and Bright adds a layer of humor to the commentary on the political maneuverings of the time. The image serves as a reminder of the power of satire in reflecting and shaping public opinion during the middle ages, and its enduring relevance in the realm of political discourse. The intricate details in the print, from the folds in the characters' clothing to the expressions on their faces, showcase the skill of the artist in capturing the essence of the scene and the personalities of the characters. This piece of historical art offers a unique glimpse into the political climate of the 1860s in Britain and the power of satire as a means of commenting on the events of the day.
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