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Free Italy (?), 1859
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Free Italy (?), 1859
Free Italy (?), 1859. This cartoon shows Italty shackled to a block labelled Venetia. A stern looking Francis Joseph rests one foot on the block in a very dominant stance. He also holds the keys to the chains binding Italy. Additionally, these keys could be seen as representative of the cross key symbol of the papacy, and this would accord with the papal crown with which Napoleon on the right is blinding Italy. In mid July 1859, despite his promise to fight for Italy until she was completely free from any Austrian domination, Frances Napoleon III met with Austrias Francis Joseph at Villafranca and agreed terms for peace. These terms not only left Venetia in Austrian hands, but proposed an Italian confederation with the pope as titular head. From Punch, or the London Charivari, July 23, 1859
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Media ID 14829289
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Bonaparte Chain Chained Charles Louis Napoléon Charles Louis Napoleon Bonaparte Emperor Napoleon Iii Franz Josef Heritage Image Partnership Louis Napoleon Napoleon Bonaparte Iii Napoleon Iii Papacy Papal Crown Shackle Shackles Stern Venice Allegorical Figure Roman Catholicism
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Free Italy (?), 1859 - A Symbolic Struggle for Liberation
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This print titled "Free Italy (?), 1859" captures the political turmoil and struggle for liberation that engulfed Italy during the mid-19th century. The cartoon depicts a shackled Italy, with Venetia serving as her oppressive block of bondage. Standing dominantly over her is Francis Joseph, the stern-faced monarch of Austria, who holds the keys to her chains. The symbolism in this image runs deep. The keys held by Francis Joseph not only represent his control over Italy but also allude to the power of the papacy, as they resemble the cross key symbol associated with Catholicism. This connection is further emphasized by Napoleon on the right, blinding Italy with a papal crown atop his head. However, despite promises made to fight against Austrian domination until complete freedom was achieved, Frances Napoleon III betrayed these ideals when he met with Francis Joseph at Villafranca in July 1859. Peace terms were agreed upon that left Venetia under Austrian rule and proposed an Italian confederation led by the pope. This powerful allegorical caricature from Punch magazine serves as a scathing critique of these political maneuvers and highlights both internal and external forces hindering Italian independence. It reflects not only on politics but also on religion and monarchy's role in shaping Italian destiny. Through its intricate details and black-and-white monochrome style, this heritage image provides us with a glimpse into an era marked by struggle for national identity and sovereignty—a reminder of how history can be shaped by those who hold power over others' destinies.
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