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The Irish Frankenstein, 1882. Artist: Joseph Swain
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The Irish Frankenstein, 1882. Artist: Joseph Swain
The Irish Frankenstein, 1882. An awestruck Charles Parnell of the Irish Nationalist Party is crouching before his Creature which is depicted with the usual simian features of the Irishman in Punch cartoons. Fully armed, the Creature is powerful and ready for violence. Following the sudden and angry resignation of the Chief Secretary for Ireland, William Forster, Lord Frederick Cavendish had been appointed to the vacancy. However, on 6th May 1882, Cavendish and his Permanent Irish Under-Secretary, Mr Thomas Burke, were attacked by members of an Irish extremist group whilst walking in Phoenix Park, Dublin. They were slashed with long knives, and their throats were cut. Because of his support for the aims of the Irish Land Leaguers, Parnell was seen as largely responsible for the increasing violence of the Creature he had helped to create. From Punch, or the London Charivari, May 20, 1882
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Media ID 14831775
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Attack Charles Stewart Charles Stewart Parnell Heritage Image Partnership Ireland Irish John Tenniel Joseph Swain Monster Parnell Sir John Tenniel Swain Tenniel Violence Violent Armour Frankenstein Irish Land League
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The Irish Frankenstein, 1882
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a powerful and thought-provoking print that captures the turbulent political climate of 19th century Ireland. Created by Joseph Swain, this engraving depicts Charles Parnell, leader of the Irish Nationalist Party, crouching before his own creation - a monstrous creature with simian features commonly associated with caricatures of the Irishman in Punch cartoons. The image symbolizes the increasing violence and unrest in Ireland during this period. Following the brutal assassination of Chief Secretary William Forster, Lord Frederick Cavendish was appointed to fill the vacancy. However, on May 6th, 1882, Cavendish and Mr Thomas Burke were viciously attacked by members of an extremist group while walking in Phoenix Park. Parnell's support for the aims of the Irish Land Leaguers made him a target for blame regarding this escalating violence. The Creature he had helped create now stood fully armed and ready for further bloodshed. This print serves as a scathing satire on politics and warfare. It highlights how political movements can sometimes unleash uncontrollable forces that lead to destruction and chaos. The monochrome black-and-white imagery adds to its haunting impact. "The Irish Frankenstein" is not just a historical artifact but also a reminder of how power dynamics can shape nations and individuals alike. It prompts us to reflect upon our responsibility as creators and leaders within society – urging us to consider both intended consequences and unintended outcomes when pursuing our ambitions.
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