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Cinque-Tetes or the Paris Monster, cartoon satirising the XYZ Affair
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Cinque-Tetes or the Paris Monster, cartoon satirising the XYZ Affair
CHT231015 Cinque-Tetes or the Paris Monster, cartoon satirising the XYZ Affair, 1797 (colour litho) by American School, (18th century); Archives du Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres, Paris, France; (add.info.: incident in Franco-American diplomatic relations; American Mission to France to negotiate agreement; sent by President John Adams (1735-1826); caricature refers to French requests for bribes to Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord (1754-1838), French Foreign Minister and an enormous loan to France; ); eArchives Charmet; American, out of copyright
Media ID 23353208
© Archives Charmet / Bridgeman Images
Bribery Frogs John Marshall Political Scandal Relationship Sixpence Talleyrand Transatlantic
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The print titled "Cinque-Tetes or the Paris Monster" is a vibrant and captivating cartoon that satirizes the XYZ Affair, an incident in Franco-American diplomatic relations. Created by the American School in the 18th century, this colorful lithograph showcases their talent for political commentary through art. In this clever caricature, we see a five-headed monster representing France with each head symbolizing different demands made by French Foreign Minister Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord during negotiations with American diplomats. The heads comically depict frogs, emphasizing the French stereotype. The three American diplomats involved in these negotiations - Elbridge Gerry, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, and John Marshall - are depicted as small figures standing before the monstrous creature. Their expressions of shock and disbelief highlight their frustration at France's requests for bribes and an enormous loan. This satirical artwork not only captures the essence of a significant political scandal but also serves as a reminder of how cartoons can be powerful tools to convey complex messages. Through its exaggerated imagery and witty symbolism, "Cinque-Tetes or the Paris Monster" provides viewers with a visual representation of transatlantic tensions during this period. Preserved in Archives du Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres in Paris, France, this historical print continues to serve as a testament to both artistic creativity and political satire from centuries past.
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