Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Royalty
An Unpleasant Neighbour, 1859
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
An Unpleasant Neighbour, 1859
An Unpleasant Neighbour, 1859. Mr Bull, Here have I got to pay double insurance, all along of your confounded fireworks!. John Bull presenting a bill to Napoleon III for the 9d in the pound income tax. With John Bull being depicted as an inn keeper, this illustrates the type of worker in Britain who would be most affected by such a steep rise. Napoleon, meanwhile, smirks as he places a sandwich board outside his own neighbouring shop. In July 1859, the Chancellor, Mr Gladstone, proposed to raise taxes from 5d to 9d in the pound on all incomes over £ 150 pa to cover the deficiency mainly caused by military and naval expenditure. The increased expenditure on armaments was supposedly in order to protect Britain against possible invasion by Napoleon III. From Punch, or the London Charivari, July 30, 1859
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 14829293
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Bonaparte Charles Louis Napoléon Charles Louis Napoleon Bonaparte Emperor Napoleon Iii Fireworks Heritage Image Partnership Income Tax Innkeeper John Bull Louis Napoleon Napoleon Bonaparte Iii Napoleon Iii Sandwich Board Shop Front Shop Window Shopkeeper Stomach Taxation Allegorical Figure Smirk
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> P
> D.J. Pound
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Politics
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Royalty
EDITORS COMMENTS
This 19th-century engraving titled "An Unpleasant Neighbour, 1859" captures the political tensions between Britain and France during that time. Depicting John Bull as an innkeeper, it highlights how the proposed increase in income tax would disproportionately affect working-class individuals like him. In the image, Mr Bull presents a bill to Napoleon III for the additional tax burden caused by his extravagant fireworks display. Napoleon III, portrayed with a smirk on his face, nonchalantly places a sandwich board outside his neighboring shop. This juxtaposition emphasizes the contrasting attitudes of the two leaders towards taxation and their respective countries' financial situations. The context behind this cartoon lies in Chancellor Gladstone's proposal to raise taxes to cover military and naval expenses incurred due to fears of invasion by Napoleon III's forces. The print from Punch magazine reflects public sentiment regarding these increased expenditures and their impact on ordinary citizens. Through satire and caricature, this illustration serves as both social commentary and political critique. It sheds light on issues such as taxation, national defense priorities, and class disparities prevalent during that era. As a historical artifact captured in black-and-white monochrome style, this print offers valuable insight into 19th-century British society while showcasing the artistic techniques employed at that time.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
