BOMBA'S BIG BROTHER

Emperor of Russia. "They shan't take away his playthings, that they shan't."

+ The Russian Bear, maimed in his right paw and wearing a patch over his right eye, still clings affectionately to his monkey.

+ Keywords: Russian Bear, King Ferdinand II, King of the Two Sicilies, King of Naples, II Re Bomba, Czar Alexander II, Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies.

Illustrator: John Leech, from British Punch humor/satire magazine, October 11, 1856, pulled from the magazine, not a modern reproduction. Size 8 x 10 1/2 inches. Condition: Good --  aged tanning to paper, light soiling, and shows ghosting; in addition the leaf has been humidified and flattened for best appearance and for framing; the backside is blank. 

+  Gloss or Chemical Ghosting, refers to the appearance of a “ghost” image from the reverse side of one printed sheet on the face of the adjacent sheet. 

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Over 5,000 Punch cartoons listed for sale (store category "Punch cartoons") -- humor, satire and propaganda; combine orders and save shipping charges. Questions are always welcome. If buying more than one, please use 'Add to Basket' instead of 'Buy now' then hit "send total" so I can adjust the invoice for shipping. 

WHO IS THE ILLUSTRATOR?

+ John Leech (1817 –1864) was a British caricaturist and illustrator. He was best known for his work for Punch, a humorous magazine for a broad middle-class audience, combining verbal and graphic political satire with light social comedy. Leech catered to contemporary prejudices, such as anti-Americanism and antisemitism and supported acceptable social reforms. Leech's critical yet humorous cartoons on the Crimean War helped shape public attitudes toward heroism, warfare, and Britons' role in the world.

WHAT IS PUNCH?

Punch, a magazine of humor and satire, ran from 1841-2002. A very British institution renowned internationally for its wit and irreverence, it helped to coin the term "cartoon" in its modern sense as a humorous illustration. Punch was the world's most celebrated magazine of wit and satire. From its early years as a campaigner for social justice to its transformation into national icon, Punch played a central role in the formation of British identity -- and how the rest of the world saw the British nation. In its formative years Punch combined humors, illustration and political debate with a fresh and radical audacity. During its heyday in the late 1800s, it reflected the conservative views of the growing middle-classes and copies of it could be found in the libraries of diplomats, cabinet ministers and even royalty. In the Western world, Punch played a significant role in the development of satire. In the world of illustration, it practically revolutionized it. Over the decades as it charted the interests, concerns and frustrations of the country and today it stands as an invaluable source of cartoon art, satire, but as primary source material for historians.