Catalog Archive
Auction 165, Lot 557

Satirical Map Depicting the Russo-Turkish War

"Carte de la Guerre en Orient",

Subject: Southeastern Europe

Period: 1877 (published)

Publication: Le Carillon

Color: Hand Color

Size:
15.1 x 11.7 inches
38.4 x 29.7 cm
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This satirical map depicting the Russo-Turkish War appeared in the April 21, 1877 edition of Le Carillon, a French journal. The Russo-Turkish War began due to nationalist movements within the Balkans, with Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Montenegro rising up against the Ottoman Empire with the assistance of their Russian ally. This map, created by H. Demare, shows Turkey in yellow depicted as three Ottomans, one of whom is having his hand bitten by Bosnia, shown in pink. The large, green Russian bear looms over Romania, represented as two timid rabbits, and sends an army of bears into Bulgaria. Prussia, France, and Britain survey the situation from afar with telescopes, with Britain suspended in a hot air balloon. The text at left describes how the journal sent reporters into the Balkans, with a letter reprinted from one of its reporters describing his travels and explaining how he kept his "virginal dignity" by avoiding the advances of the Turkish women. Additional French text on verso. With text measures 22.3 x 15.3".

References:

Condition: B+

There is light toning along the centerfold, a few extraneous creases, and a couple of tiny tears along the centerfold.

Estimate: $1,400 - $1,700

Unsold

Closed on 11/15/2017

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