Satirized by: Author Unknown
Date Published: 1890s
Context: A French political cartoon in which a pie represents China, which is being divided between Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, Wilhelm II of Germany, Nicholas II of Russia, the French Marianne, and the Meiji Emperor of Japan. The body positions and facial expressions of the characters is particularly interesting to note – Germany seems especially aggressive and appears to be arguing with England over a border piece of the pie, and France seems quite cozy with Russia, no doubt alluding to the Franco-Russian alliance. France appears to take a more passive role compared to her more assertive contemporaries, and Japan is also thoughtfully considering which piece of the pie to take. Overseeing all of this squabbling is a Qing dynasty official, tossing up his hands in frustration as he is powerless to control the situation playing out in front of him. It is meant to be a figurative representation of the Imperialist tendencies of these nations towards China during the 19th century.
I love cartoons, especially the satirical, political ones. They can say so much more and more succinctly than a written piece. Thank you for sharing this one.
Interesting! I don't know much about this era, but I enjoy satirical pieces like this… old ones at least. I care not for current day political drawings.