Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Politics > William Ewart Gladstone
The Divided Skirt, 1886. Artist: Joseph Swain
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
The Divided Skirt, 1886. Artist: Joseph Swain
The Divided Skirt, 1886. This cartoon shows the Liberal Prime Minister, Gladstone. Now 76 years of age, and in his third term in office, Gladstone was undoubtedly the grandee of the Commons. By now, he had been dubbed the Grand Old Man by Henry Labouchere in 1881, and this had been shorted to GOM by many. He is fitting a decidedly matronly Britannia with her first divided skirt. This relates to one of Gladstones first Bills on regaining office early 1886. However, the Irish Home Rule Bill was deeply divisive, even though it was apparently designed to settle all outstanding matters once and for all. It did lead to the resignation from the Cabinet of the Radical, Joseph Chamberlain who cited the blow to the security of the Empire as his primary reason. From Punch, or the London Charivari, April 24, 1885
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 14832094
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Aged Britannia Dressmaker Dressmaking Gladstone Heritage Image Partnership Irish Home Rule Bill John Tenniel Joseph Swain Liberal Liberal Party Mirror Prime Minister Sir John Tenniel Skirt Split Swain Tenniel William Ewart William Ewart Gladstone Allegorical Figure Divided
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> T
> John Tenniel
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Politics
> William Ewart Gladstone
> People
> Politicians
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print, titled "The Divided Skirt" and created by Joseph Swain in 1886, captures a significant moment in British political history. The central figure of the cartoon is William Ewart Gladstone, the esteemed Liberal Prime Minister who was often referred to as the Grand Old Man (GOM). At 76 years old and serving his third term in office, Gladstone was seen as a grandee of the Commons. In this satirical depiction, Gladstone is shown fitting Britannia with her first divided skirt. This alludes to one of Gladstone's early Bills on regaining office in 1886. However, it also symbolizes the deeply divisive Irish Home Rule Bill that he proposed during this time. While intended to settle outstanding matters concerning Ireland, it led to the resignation of Joseph Chamberlain from the Cabinet due to concerns about its impact on imperial security. The cartoon highlights both Gladstone's influential position within politics and his controversial policies. It showcases how even an esteemed statesman like him faced opposition and criticism for his decisions. Through clever caricature and satire, Swain effectively conveys these complex political dynamics. "The Divided Skirt" serves as a visual representation of late 19th-century British politics while offering insight into societal attitudes towards gender roles through its portrayal of Britannia wearing unconventional clothing for women at that time. This heritage image provides us with a glimpse into an important chapter in history where politics intersected with social change.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
