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Blondin Outdone, 1859
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Blondin Outdone, 1859
Blondin Outdone, 1859. Palmerston, dressed in contemporary circus costume, wheeling a nervous looking Lord John Russell across a tightrope with Niagara Falls in the background. The waters depict India, China, Italy, America and Reform, all of which were knotty problems facing the Government. In contrast to Russell, who is clinging on for dear life, Palmerston displays nothing but a calm confidence in the task. On 17th August 1859, the French acrobat, Blondin, walked on a tightrope over the Niagara Falls. He performed a number of feats, including carrying a man over on his shoulders. From Punch, or the London Charivari, October 8, 1859
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Media ID 14829299
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1st Earl Russell Of Kingston Russell Cataract Confidant Henry John Henry John Temple Heritage Image Partnership Lord Lord John Lord John Russell Lord Palmerston Nervous Niagara Falls Palmerston Reform Russell Tightrope Tightrope Walker Top Hat Viscount Viscount Palmerston Waterfall Wheelbarrow Blondin Charles Blondin Hindoostan
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The captivating print titled "Blondin Outdone, 1859" captures a significant moment in history with a touch of humor and political satire. In this intriguing image, we see Lord Palmerston, dressed in an elaborate circus costume, fearlessly wheeling a visibly nervous Lord John Russell across a tightrope against the breathtaking backdrop of Niagara Falls. Symbolically representing various knotty problems facing the government at that time, the waters below depict India, China, Italy, America, and Reform. While Russell clings on for dear life during this precarious journey, Palmerston exudes calm confidence as he navigates the challenging task. This caricature-like portrayal is inspired by French acrobat Charles Blondin's remarkable tightrope walk over Niagara Falls on August 17th, 1859. However, instead of Blondin carrying someone on his shoulders like he did during his actual performance feats, it is now Palmerston taking charge while Russell anxiously holds onto him. Through clever visual storytelling and wit characteristic of Punch magazine from October 8th that year (where this illustration was published), this print offers both amusement and commentary on contemporary politics. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by statesmen like Palmerston and Russell in dealing with complex issues such as international relations and domestic reforms. With its monochrome aesthetic adding to its historical charm and artistic appeal from the 19th century era captured within it; this engraving stands as an enduring testament to political satire's power to entertain while provoking thought about societal concerns.
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