This is what England calls a joint union, from "News of the Day"
Original title: This is what England calls a joint union, from "News of the Day"
kurzbeschreibung
A chained Abraham Lincoln, led along by a crowned lion — Honoré Daumier captured this scene in a lithograph from 1867. The black-and-white print on newsprint belongs to the series 'News of the Day' and offers a satirical commentary on the political entanglements between the United States and Great Britain.
Description
Two figures dominate the sheet: a man in chains, unmistakably Abraham Lincoln, and a lion wearing a crown who leads him along. The lion's tongue, shaped like a tail, stands out and gives the creature an anthropomorphic quality. The background remains sparse — only water is hinted at — so the adversaries stand out all the more clearly. Text elements at the edge point to the print's origin in a newspaper. The caricatural style thrives on clear lines and strong contrasts.
Context
This print was made for the French satirical magazine 'Le Charivari' in December 1867. The caricature targets Britain's stance during the American Civil War, especially the Trent Affair, in which Britain played a neutral but tense role. The lion represents Great Britain, while Lincoln as a prisoner suggests the conflicts between the USA and Britain. The work is part of Daumier's series 'News of the Day', which accompanied current political events.
Impact
The unequal balance of power — the bound Lincoln at the mercy of the overpowering lion — is immediately memorable. The satirical exaggeration creates a critical distance that prompts reflection on political relations. The plain background directs attention to the symbolism of the figures.
Technique
Executed as a lithograph on newsprint, the sheet is in the second state of two (Delteil). The lithographic process allowed fine lines and rapid print runs — ideal for satirical prints. The black-and-white reproduction heightens the contrasts and ensures the caricature remains clearly legible.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)