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Erins Little Difficulty, 1865. Artist: John Tenniel
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Erins Little Difficulty, 1865. Artist: John Tenniel
Erins Little Difficulty, 1865. Britannia exclaims Yes, My Dear! Thats the sort of Drilling to do Him Most Good! Ireland, in the shape of Erin, giving a Fenian representative of simian appearance a good thrashing. Mrs Britannia, comfortably matronly, looks on approvingly. This was a time when an insurrectionist organisation, funded and supplemented with men from the Irish Americans, began to cause trouble. Amongst its principal aims was the separation of Ireland from Britain and the overthrow of the Queens authority. In September 1865, the Irish People, a Fenian journal, was taken by the Dublin Police, all the men working on the paper being arrested. From Punch, or the London Charivari, September 30, 1865
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Media ID 14830740
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Beating Britannia Drum Fenian Fenian Movement Heritage Image Partnership Ireland Irish John Tenniel Punishment Shamrock Sir John Tenniel Tenniel Allegorical Figure Erin
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Erin's Little Difficulty, 1865
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating print by renowned artist John Tenniel that depicts a significant moment in Irish history. The artwork showcases Ireland personified as Erin, courageously confronting a Fenian representative with simian features. Britannia, symbolizing the British Empire, watches approvingly as Erin delivers a well-deserved thrashing to the insurrectionist. During this time in 19th century Britain, an insurgent organization known as the Fenians aimed to separate Ireland from British rule and overthrow Queen Victoria's authority. This political unrest was fueled by funding and support from Irish Americans. In September 1865, the Dublin Police seized "The Irish People" a Fenian journal, resulting in the arrest of all its male staff members. Tenniel's satirical cartoon captures both the tension and allegorical nature of this historical event. The image portrays Britannia as a comfortably matronly figure representing imperial power while emphasizing her approval of Erin's actions against the Fenians. Intricate details such as musical instruments like drums and banners further enhance the visual narrative of resistance and punishment within this artistic composition. The presence of shamrocks highlights Ireland's national identity throughout this struggle for independence. This black-and-white engraving serves not only as an important historical document but also showcases Tenniel's exceptional talent for capturing complex political themes through artistry. It stands as a testament to his contribution to satire during this era.
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