The Avenger: An Allegorical War Map for 1877
- Title:
- The Avenger: An Allegorical War Map for 1877
- Alternate Title:
- The Avenger: An Allegorical War Map for 1877
- Collection:
- Persuasive Maps: PJ Mode Collection
- Creator:
- Bacon, George Washington
- Other Creators:
- Bacon, G. W. [George Washington], publisher
- Date:
- 1877
- Posted Date:
- 2015-08-25
- ID Number:
- 1080.01
- Collection Number:
- 8548
- File Name:
- PJM_1080_01.jpg
- Style/Period:
- 1870 - 1899
- Subject:
- Pictorial
Satirical
Other War & Peace
Allegorical - Measurement:
- 45 x 60 (centimeters, height x width)
- Notes:
- This map reflects the "Great Eastern Crisis" and the subsequent Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78. The legend says that "Russia, represented by an allegorical figure of Progress, is punishing 'the sick man,' Turkey, for the wanton outrages he has committed" (a reference to the violent "Bulgarian Atrocities" in April 1876). Russia wears a badge celebrating the "Liberation of the Serfs" and wields a sword inscribed "Protection of the Oppressed." The legend comments on the reactions of other countries in Europe and the Near East, and in some cases simply comments on the state of affairs. ("In France, Power is in the act of removing the cap of Liberty, instead of both combining for the general good.") See Baynton-Williams 2015, 182.
It has been suggested (e.g., Bryars 2013) that this map was produced by Frederick W. Rose, as an"even-handed" counterweight to the similar, anti-Russian "Octopus" map he produced in the same year, the Serio-Comic War Map For The Year 1877, ID #2272. Both maps were published by firm of George Washington Bacon. Rose's politics, however, make that "extremely unlikely." Barron 2016b, 20. He was a dedicated Tory from his teenage years, "forever affiliated to the Conservative cause," who maintained "a lifelong engagement with local Conservative political associations and organisations." Ibid. 17. In 1877, the Liberals were hostile to the Ottoman Empire, particularly after the slaughter of the Bulgarian Slavs, and Gladstone had called for removal of the Turks "bag and baggage" from the Balkans. The Conservative administration under Disraeli saw the Turks as an important counterweight to Russian territorial expansion, and were particularly concerned that if Russia captured Constantinople, it would have a port on the Mediterranean, uncomfortably close to the new Suez Canal. The Serio-Comic War Map For The Year 1877 reflects the views of the "pro-Turkish Russophobe Tories," while this map represents the opposing position of the "anti-Turkish Russophile Liberals." Ibid. 18. See also Barron 2016a. Rather than Rose, it is "more probable that Bacon, himself an egalitarian American and a very efficient publicist, wanted something to sell to all of his customers, whatever their views." Baynton-Williams 2015, 182.
For further information on the Collector’s Notes and a Feedback/Contact Link, see https://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/content/about-collection-personal-statement and https://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/content/feedback-and-contact - Cite As:
- P.J. Mode collection of persuasive cartography, #8548. Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library.
- Repository:
- Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library
- Archival Collection:
- P.J. Mode collection of persuasive cartography
- Format:
- Image
- Rights:
- For important information about copyright and use, see http://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/copyright.