Catalog Archive
Auction 183, Lot 319

"Carte de la Fraternite Europeenne", Yves & Barrey

Subject: Europe

Period: 1880 (circa)

Publication: Le Charivari

Color: Black & White

Size:
15.1 x 10.8 inches
38.4 x 27.4 cm
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This satirical anthropomorphic map was created by Draner and engraved by Yves & Barrey. Countries are depicted as human figures, and a numbered key at bottom explains the situation within each country at the time. The key figure is Russia, depicted as its leader, Alexander II, who is surrounded by bombs, guns pointing at him, and barrels of dynamite, gunpowder, and nitroglycerin, as well as signs pointing out the rise of the Russian nihilist movement. Alexander II bites his fist in fear and holds the hand of Germany's Otto von Bismarck. The note on Russia asks: "Would you believe that a country so cold could always be on fire?" while Germany is noted as "a place where there is uneasiness." France is the only country depicted as a female (Marianne), who "says nothing but keeps her eyes open." Franz Joseph I of Austria reaches out and grabs Romania's head, while the text asks "If there were only a way for Austria to extend itself?" and describes Romania, which had just declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire after the 1877-1878 Russo-Turkish War, as "future prey." Great Britain is described as "where the kingdom is divided" and is depicted as an Englishman riding an elephant (to denote its rule over India), with a disgruntled Scotsman on his shoulders, and an angry Irishman holding a sign that says "agrarian league." Spain is "waiting for the next revolution" and Portugal is "scared stiff that the Iberian peninsula will unite." The commentary below the map brings each country's character to life and gives a tongue-in-cheek viewpoint of European relations. On verso are numerous advertisements from small businesses. This map was published in Le Charivari, an illustrated magazine published in Paris from 1832-1937 that included humorous caricatures and political cartoons.

References:

Condition: B+

There is some light foxing and staining along the edges of the sheet, entering the image at top. The bottom margin was trimmed to remove the map from the magazine, with no loss of image.

Estimate: $400 - $500

Sold for: $220

Closed on 6/9/2021

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