The print of the Dreyfus Collection shows the handwritten note by the censor: "Oui, par ordre du Préfet..." We can see in this print a representation of John Bull. John Bull was the English counterpart to Stephens, the Irish revolutionary fighting for the independence of Ireland. Daumier realized that England during this period was the greatest colonial power in the world. Whenever he had an opportunity to criticize this power, Daumier seized his chance. In 1865 and 1867, two important uprisings against the English Crown took place in Ireland, aiming for Irish independence from England. The leading political organisation on the Irish side were the Fenians. Both upheavals were brutally suppressed by Britain. In 1845 the relationship between Ireland and England became radical and explosive, due to a potato disease, which destroyed most of the Irish crop and resulted in famine. The basis of existence of the small land tenants was destroyed. One and a half million farmers and their families died of starvation. The help sent over from England came too late and the little that arrived on the island never reached the needy. When eventually after endless discussions between Gladstone and Disraeli the situation had come under control, the damage was already done. Two million Irish left the island to settle in America, Europe and England.
Copyright restrictions may apply. For permission to copy or use this image, contact the Robert D. Farber University Archives and Special Collections Department, Brandeis University Libraries. The following credit line must be included with each item used: Benjamin A. and Julia M. Trustman Collection of Honoré Daumier Lithographs, Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University.
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Place of origin:
Paris
Notes:
2nd state.
Published in: Le Charivari, April 11, 1866.
Notes (acquisition):
Donated by: Benjamin A. and Julia M. Trustman, 1959.
