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The Eldest Son of the Church, 1860
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The Eldest Son of the Church, 1860
The Eldest Son of the Church, 1860. This cartoon shows Pope Pius IX staring out over the bedclothes at the French Emperor, Napoleon III, who is trying the Papal Crown for size in front of the bedroom mirror. During the past couple of years, both France and Italy had gained some of the territories previously held by the Pope and the Catholic Church. This cartoon takes a little look at the possibility of Napoleon becoming the next pope. However, the accompanying little piece of text dismisses the possibility. Why, Punch asks, can the Emperor of the French never be Pope? Because, according to Punch, by the simple fact it is impossible three crowns can ever make one Napoleon. Crowns and (Louis) Napoleon are both references to coins of the two countries. From Punch, or the London Charivari, December 8, 1860
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Media ID 14830544
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Admiring Anxious Bedchamber Bedclothes Bedroom Bonaparte Charles Louis Napoléon Charles Louis Napoleon Bonaparte Cheval Mirror Emperor Napoleon Iii Feeling Fleur De Lis Giovanni Maria Giovanni Maria Mastai Ferretti Heritage Image Partnership Louis Napoleon Mastai Ferretti Mirror Napoleon Bonaparte Iii Napoleon Iii Papal Crown Pius Ix Pope Pope Pius Ix Staring Wide Eyed Worried Worry Roman Catholicism
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The Eldest Son of the Church, 1860
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a thought-provoking cartoon that captures the political tensions between France and Italy during the 19th century. In this satirical depiction, Pope Pius IX gazes out over his bedclothes at Napoleon III, the French Emperor. The scene unfolds in front of a bedroom mirror where Napoleon playfully tries on the Papal Crown. The cartoon alludes to recent territorial gains made by both countries at the expense of the Catholic Church. Punch magazine humorously explores the possibility of Napoleon becoming pope but dismisses it with a clever twist. According to Punch, three crowns can never make one Napoleon because it is simply impossible. The use of coins as symbols further emphasizes this point; "crowns" refer to both currency and royal headgear. The black-and-white engraving adds depth to this caricature, capturing Pope Pius IX's wide-eyed expression as he watches his potential usurper with a mix of worry and admiration. This image reflects not only religious concerns but also political anxieties within Europe during that time period. It highlights how power struggles between nations could impact even revered institutions like Catholicism. Ultimately, this print serves as a reminder that despite their ambitions and influence, no individual or country can ever truly dominate all aspects of life simultaneously – be it politics or religion.
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