c. 1870 – P. Hadol – Comic Map of Europe
Title: “Comic Map of Europe”
Description:
Satirical political cartoon map of Europe showing countries personified in caricature and alluding to the tensions that finally erupted as the Franco-Prussian War in July 1870. In the center, a buffoonish Prussia interacts with its suspicious neighbors. England is depicted as an old woman holding its dog, Ireland, by a leash. Spain and Turkey are portrayed as unconcerned women on the fringes relaxing with a cigarette and a hookah respectively. Corsica and Sardinia become an impish figure mooning the viewer. A rifle with a bayonet near the bottom edge is sardonically labeled “Degrees of Longitude.” The various tensions and rivalries between the nations are described in the caption:
England enraged forgets Ireland but still keeps it in her power. Spain & Portugal smoke away lazily. France tries to overthrow Prussia who advances one hand on Holland & knee over Austria. Italy advises Bismark to keep off. Corsica & Sardinia laugh on at all. Denmark hopes to recover Holstein. Turkey is drowsily awaking from smoke. Sweden crouching like a panther. Russia a beggar trying for anything to fill his basket.
The artist is not mentioned on this version, this is a derivative of another version of Hadol’s map published in Paris by Vallée as “Nouvelle carte d’Europe dressée pour 1870“. Dutch, German and British publishers also issued the same map. The version produced by the London publisher H.C. Panzer provided commentary.
Cartographer: Paul Hadol (1835-1875)
Sheet size: 27 x 38,7 cm
Year: c. 1870
Technique: lithograph
Condition:
Good condition! No margins.
This is a genuine antique map published in c. 1870 and not a modern copy or reprint!
On your request I will provide a Certificate of Authenticity!
