Image – Vulgar Army

A Humorous Diplomatic Atlas of Europe and Asia

This was sent in by Johan. I think I posted a low resolution version of this a long time ago (2010); In a post on octopuses and maps. But as this is a much clearer version and shows all the wonderful details, I have no problem in reposting it. “A Humorous Diplomatic Atlas of Europe […]

Don’t shoot! I’ll let go!

Udo J. Keppler, Don’t shoot! I’ll let go!, Januaury 31 1914, Illus. in: Puck, v. 75, no. 1926. Reproduced from: The Library of Congress, http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2011649666/ (Accessed: 9th March 2013) The cartoon refers to the Clayton Act of 1914, which was an attempt by the Wilson Administration to tighten antitrust laws. Part of the act was to prevent corporations merging that had […]

The Peril of France

Louis Dalrymple, The peril of France – at the mercy of the octopus, October 26, 1898, Illus. from Puck, v. 44, no. 1129. Reproduced from: The Library of Congress, http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2012647482/ (Accessed: 9th March 2013). The cartoon refers to the Dreyfus Affair, and to the corruption, deception and anti-semitism of the French Military at the time. It was […]

Not Even-Handed Justice

“NOT EVEN-HANDED JUSTICE: Crushing the scorpion of anarchy but sparing the octopus of monopoly”, Artist William A. Rogers, published in Harper’s Weekly, January 21, 1888. (Snark: Seems kind of apt, given the Occupy movement and response to it. Some things don’t change.) Image source: Railroad Cartoons Home, http://sophia.smith.edu/~maldrich/topics/political_influence/1888harpersjan21.htm (accessed 12-11-2011)

Union-busting

“Union-busting, 1950s (or early 1960s)” [VA: I have no words] [VA: I’ve lost who submitted this, I thought the information would be ‘stuck’ to the post, but apparently I was wrong. If it was you, and you want your name/website associated, please contact me via “Ask” button.]

He Gathers Them In

Attwod, F.G., “He Gathers Them In: A Pacific Sketch”, in Life September 24, 1885. It shows Grover Cleveland (22nd and 24th President of the United States). Source: Period Paper (15 Aug, 2011), http://www.periodpaper.com Private collection.

Its Arms Work All Together Now

Another monopoly octopus from “drafts” folders with no information or notes. I think I may have poached it from Getty Images (just a hunch)… Circa 1920s.

For your viewing a decontextualised octopus political cartoon. … This was sitting in my drafts folder. Unfortunately I have no idea where I got it from, nor had I written any notes on it.

Victor Hugo As Apollo and Gillatt

Victor Hugo as both Apollo (the lyre) and Gilliatt (from ‘Toilers of the Sea’). Artist: G. Deloyoti. Published as front cover of “Le Hanneton” 6 June, 1867 issue no. 17. This is not a political cartoon, but I thought it relevant given Victor Hugo’s role in the development the octopus metaphor. Image Source: bridgeman.co.uk

The War Octopus

“The War Octopus” – “Ondanks onze beschaving (of beschavingspeil)”, via Google translate: Despite our culture (or civilisation level). Published 27 August, 1939 in Algemeen Handelsblad (Amsterdam). Image Source: International Institute of Social History, Collection: IISG (Pieck, H.), Call # BG D55/850. (Accessed 23rd Oct 2010).