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Adolphe the Alchemist, 1872. Artist: Joseph Swain
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Adolphe the Alchemist, 1872. Artist: Joseph Swain
Adolphe the Alchemist, 1872. France kneels next to the alchemist, who is producing cash from his brew. Adolphe is Louis Adolphe Thiers, the first President of the Third Republic. This relates to Frances unsuccessful war against Prussia. In the background are the ghouls representing communism, Napoleon III and Germany. France had been charged with making a massive payment to Prussia, but the terms demanded by the newly unified Germany were considered harsh. They included an agreement that France pay a war indemnity of some £ 200 million. However, subscriptions were received in July 1872 of £ 1, 720 million in response to a French Loan campaign. Apparently, Germany was disappointed at the speed with which France was able to raise the funds. From Punch, or the London Charivari, August 3, 1872
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Media ID 14831590
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Alchemist Bonaparte Charles Louis Napoléon Charles Louis Napoleon Bonaparte Emperor Napoleon Iii Foreign Affairs Foreign Policy Heritage Image Partnership John Tenniel Joseph Swain Louis Adolphe Louis Adolphe Thiers Louis Napoleon Napoleon Bonaparte Iii Napoleon Iii Political Event President Prussia Prussian Sir John Tenniel Swain Tenniel Thiers Third Republic Allegorical Figure Charl Ghoul
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The print titled "Adolphe the Alchemist, 1872" by Joseph Swain captures a significant moment in French history. Depicting Louis Adolphe Thiers, the first President of the Third Republic, kneeling next to an alchemist who is producing cash from his brew, this image symbolizes France's struggle during its unsuccessful war against Prussia. In the background of the print, we see ghoulish figures representing communism, Napoleon III, and Germany. This alludes to France's financial burden imposed by Germany after being charged with making a massive payment as part of their war indemnity agreement. The terms demanded by newly unified Germany were considered harsh and required France to pay around £200 million. However, despite these challenges, France managed to raise an astonishing £1,720 million through a French Loan campaign in July 1872. This rapid response disappointed Germany as they expected it would take longer for France to gather such funds. This political cartoon published in Punch magazine on August 3rd, 1872 sheds light on the intricate web of international relations and foreign policy during that time period. It serves as a reminder of how finance and politics intertwine and influence each other. Joseph Swain's artwork not only captures a specific historical event but also showcases his talent for using allegorical figures to convey complex ideas visually. Through this monochrome black-and-white print from the nineteenth century, we are transported back in time to witness an important chapter in French history unfold before our eyes.
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