Rare British 1898 Cartoon: THE DREYFUS AFFAIR - Justitia THE REAL "VEILED LADY"

Description: THE REAL “VEILED LADY.” Justice “Why are my Doors closed.”------------------------BACKGROUND SOURCE: “The Dreyfus Affair as Portrayed in Punch” by Jang, Joojin (online) --+ This cartoon, printed in January 22, 1898 marks the evident advance of a court case. The picture shows the Lady Justice veiled in her clothe and very cautiously entering the door. Since Justitia, the lady God of Justice, will frequently appear throughout the essay, the next paragraph will concisely examine what characteristics distinguish a character as Justice. + Lady Justice, an allegorical personification of the moral force that underlies the legal system, is seen carrying a sword and scales with her eyes in a blindfold. Justitia is most often depicted with a set of weighing scales typically suspended from her left hand, upon which she measures the strengths of a case's support and opposition. She is also often seen carrying a double-edged sword in her right hand, symbolizing the power of Reason and Justice. The blindfold acts as a sign that justice is and should be distributed objectively, without fear or favor, regardless of the identity, power, or weakness.+ There are two important writings which tell that the cartoon is related with the Dreyfus Affair. The first indication is with the "Conseil de Guerre," French for the War Council. From the beginning to the end of the Dreyfus Affair, this particular council has been involved with the Affair. On the left of the picture, the following words read: "L'AFFAIRE ESTERHAZY ENTREE DEFNEDUE." Thus, this suggests that the cartoon is portraying the Esterhazy court case.+ Before this cartoon was published, in November 1897, Mathieu Dreyfus, the brother of the convicted officer, claimed to have found evidence that the document which Captain Dreyfus was charged with writing was in reality written by Major Esterhazy. (This document, known as the bordereau, in which the writer gave the secret information to the foreign government now became the subject of constant discussion. Mathieu had discovered that the handwriting of Dreyfus' and that of Esterhazy's was strikingly similar. Thus, Esterhazy came under the light of suspicion. On top of that, Esterhazy was said to be greatly in debt and not above resorting to unscrupulous measures to escape from his embarrassment. Esterhazy immediately denied the authorship of the bordereau. In December, 1897, Major Esterhazy applied for a court-martial and it opened on January 10, 1898. The doors were closed and the council continued in secret sessions until the verdict was announced on the following day. This is why the cartoon is titled "The Real 'Veiled Lady,'" and Lady Justice quoted, "Why are my doors closed!" It was a unanimous vote for the acquittal of the defendant. Apparently, this unfair case of Esterhazy was what the cartoon described. + There appears no evident bias in the cartoon because the cartoon merely indicated the Esterhazy court case. However, the posture of lady Justice act as a sign that the court was not conducted publicly.Source: British PUNCH humor/satire magazine, January 22, 1898 original, pulled from the magazine, not a modern reproduction. Illustrated by Linley Sanbourne Size 8 1/2 x 11" (approximately) Condition: very good indeed -- some printers' ink smudging (lower edge), otherwise bright and clean, the page has been humidified and flattened for best appearance and for framing; the backside has unrelated text with some show-through (ghosting) possible, as published -- please look closely. _____________________________________________________________________Over 4,500 Punch cartoons listed for sale (store category "Punch cartoons") -- humor, satire and propaganda; combine orders and save shipping charges. Questions are always welcome. If buying more than one, please use 'Add to Basket' insteadWHO IS THE ARTIST? Edward Linley Sanbourne (4 January 1844 – 3 August 1910) was an English cartoonist and illustrator most famous for being a draughtsman for the satirical magazine Punch for more than forty years and rising to the position of "First Cartoonist" in his final decade.WHAT IS PUNCH? Punch, a magazine of humor and satire, ran from 1841-2002. A very British institution renowned internationally for its wit and irreverence, it helped to coin the term "cartoon" in its modern sense as a humorous illustration. Punch was the world's most celebrated magazine of wit and satire. From its early years as a campaigner for social justice to its transformation into national icon, Punch played a central role in the formation of British identity -- and how the rest of the world saw the British nation. In its formative years Punch combined humors, illustration and political debate with a fresh and radical audacity. During its heyday in the late 1800s, it reflected the conservative views of the growing middle-classes and copies of it could be found in the libraries of diplomats, cabinet ministers and even royalty. In the Western world, Punch played a significant role in the development of satire. In the world of illustration, it practically revolutionized it. Over the decades as it charted the interests, concerns and frustrations of the country and today it stands as an invaluable source of cartoon art, satire, but as primary source material for historians.

Price: 17.95 USD

Location: Milton, Vermont

End Time: 2024-09-16T18:41:37.000Z

Shipping Cost: 6.95 USD