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Cartoons, W H Smith as Secretary for War
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Cartoons, W H Smith as Secretary for War
Cartoons, W H Smith as Secretary for War - a Fancy German Portrait, and the Reality. William Henry Smith, newsagent, bookseller and Conservative MP, served as Secretary of State for War from 1886 to 1887.
circa 1886
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Media ID 23053704
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Bookseller Cloak Conservative Desk Document Fancy Minister Ministerial Newsagent Position Reality Satire Satirical Secretary Tory Smith
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This intriguing photograph print showcases two contrasting depictions of William Henry Smith during his tenure as Secretary of State for War in the late 1880s. On the left, a fancy German portrait presents Smith in an ornate and grandiose manner, donning a top hat, cloak, and holding a sword. The elaborate setting, complete with a large desk and piles of documents, exudes an air of authority and importance. On the right, a satirical cartoon offers a stark contrast to the formal portrait. Here, Smith is depicted as a newsagent or bookseller, with a pile of newspapers and books instead of military documents. He wears a simple suit and holds a quill pen, suggesting a more mundane and unassuming role. The cartoonist's satire highlights the irony of Smith's background as a newsagent and bookseller, contrasting sharply with the traditional image of a military Secretary of State. William Henry Smith, a Conservative MP, served as Secretary of State for War from 1886 to 1887 during the Victorian era. This photograph print offers a fascinating glimpse into the political climate of the time, as well as the use of satire and caricature to comment on the actions and appearances of public figures. Despite the contrasting depictions, both images serve to capture the essence of Smith's brief tenure in this important government position.
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