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Poor Taxpayer!... Thank the Empire, cartoon criticising the cost of the wars of the Second Empire (1852-70), from Le Sans Culotte, 1879 (colour litho)
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Poor Taxpayer!... Thank the Empire, cartoon criticising the cost of the wars of the Second Empire (1852-70), from Le Sans Culotte, 1879 (colour litho)
CHT224186 Poor Taxpayer!....Thank the Empire, cartoon criticising the cost of the wars of the Second Empire (1852-70), from Le Sans Culotte, 1879 (colour litho) by Le Petit, Alfred (1841-1909); Bibliotheque Historique de la Ville de Paris, Paris, France; (add.info.: contribuable essore comme un linge par les impots dus aux guerres du Second Empire; ordinary citizen wrung like washing;); © Archives Charmet
Media ID 32115102
© Archives Charmet / Bridgeman Images
1808 73 Alfred Le Petit Bonaparte Family Crimea Expense Garibaldi Garibaldi Giuseppe 1807 1882 General Garibaldi Giuseppe 1807 1882 Giuseppe Garibaldi Laundry Le Petit Alfred 1841 1909 Napoleon 3 Napoleon 3rd Napoleon Iii Napoleon Iii Iii 3 Napoleon Iiird Political Satire Taxation Prussia
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The cartoon print titled "Poor Taxpayer!. . . Thank the Empire" is a scathing critique of the financial burden placed on ordinary citizens due to the costly wars of the Second Empire (1852-70). Created by Alfred Le Petit in 1879, this colorful lithograph was featured in "Le Sans Culotte" a publication known for its political satire. In the image, we see an exhausted taxpayer being squeezed dry like a wrung-out cloth. The caption highlights how these hardworking individuals are being crushed under the weight of taxes imposed to fund the empire's military campaigns. It serves as a powerful reminder of the immense sacrifices made by everyday people during times of war. The artist cleverly incorporates various symbols and references within this artwork. General Giuseppe Garibaldi, an Italian revolutionary who fought against French forces during this period, is depicted alongside Napoleon III and members of his Bonaparte family. This inclusion suggests that even renowned figures like Garibaldi were not spared from taxation and financial strain caused by these conflicts. Furthermore, other elements such as references to Crimea, Prussia, Mexico, and political satire add depth to Le Petit's message about excessive expenses incurred through warfare. Through his skillful caricature style and biting commentary on tax extortion and laundry-like taxation systems, he sheds light on the plight of ordinary citizens caught up in geopolitical struggles orchestrated by those in power. This thought-provoking artwork continues to resonate today as it prompts reflection on historical events while drawing parallels with contemporary issues surrounding government spending and its impact on taxpayers' lives.
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