Home > Popular Themes > Politics
Cartoon, A Friend in Need (Gladstone and Bright)
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Cartoon, A Friend in Need (Gladstone and Bright)
Cartoon, A Friend in Need -- a satirical comment on the Third Anglo-Ashanti War (1873-1874) in West Africa. William Gladstone congratulates John Bright on his appointment as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and hopes he will help settle things with the Ashanti warrior standing on the left, holding a rifle. Bright (a peace-loving Quaker) replies that fighting isn t quite his thing, but... Date: 1873
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23361574
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1873 Administration Bright Cabinet Colleague Colleagues Comment Gladstone Hostile Liberal Minister Punch Tenniel
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Africa
> Related Images
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> New Images August 2021
A Friend in Need - A Satirical Comment on the Third Anglo-Ashanti War (1873-1874) in West Africa
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a powerful and thought-provoking political cartoon created during the Victorian era, published in Punch magazine in 1873. The cartoon, drawn by the renowned British satirical artist, John Tenniel, offers a scathing commentary on the British government's handling of the Third Anglo-Ashanti War in West Africa and the appointment of John Bright as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. The image depicts a jovial William Gladstone, the Liberal Prime Minister of Britain, extending his hand in congratulations to his colleague, John Bright, on his new appointment. Bright, a peace-loving Quaker, is shown standing awkwardly with a rifle-bearing Ashanti warrior looming menacingly in the background. The caption above reads, "Gladstone: 'My dear Bright, I am glad to see you in your new position. I hope you will find it convenient to settle things with that little man on the left.' Bright: 'Fighting, Mr. Gladstone, is not quite my thing, but I will do my best.' " This cartoon serves as a biting critique of the British government's aggressive foreign policy towards the Ashanti people of West Africa, as well as a commentary on the perceived hypocrisy of appointing a pacifist like Bright to a role within the administration that would ultimately involve the use of force. The juxtaposition of the white, European men in formal attire with the African warrior in traditional dress highlights the racial and cultural tensions that underpinned British colonial expansion during this period. Overall, "A Friend in Need" is a poignant reminder of the complex and often problematic nature of British imperialism and the role of politics and diplomacy in shaping international relations.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
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.
