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A Perilous Passage, 1869. Artist: Joseph Swain
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A Perilous Passage, 1869. Artist: Joseph Swain
A Perilous Passage, 1869. Napoleon III of France was struggling against a wave of unpopularity at the time. He had introduced a number of measures to try and calm the situation. He was, by now, a very ill man and so his primary concern was to preserve his office for his young son. Here, Napoleon cycles on a tightrope across the Niagara Falls. This refers to JF Professor Jenkins crossing of the Niagara Gorge on 5th August 1869 on a tightrope located at the Whirlpool Rapids just north of the Railway Suspension Bridge. Professor Jenkins rode across on a combination bicycle - velocipede. Below Napoleon are the rocks of revolution. His wheels show Personal Government versus Representational Government and he struggles to balance Repression against Concession. From Punch, or the London Charivari, October 30, 1869
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Media ID 14831226
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Acrobat Balance Bicycle Bicycles Bike Bonaparte Cataract Charles Louis Napoléon Charles Louis Napoleon Bonaparte Emperor Napoleon Iii Goatee Heritage Image Partnership John Tenniel Joseph Swain Louis Napoleon Napoleon Bonaparte Iii Napoleon Iii Niagara Falls Sir John Tenniel Swain Tenniel Tightrope Waterfall Wheel Equilibrist
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this print titled "A Perilous Passage, 1869" we witness the struggle of Napoleon III, Emperor of France, as he attempts to navigate a treacherous tightrope crossing over the majestic Niagara Falls. Painted by Joseph Swain and inspired by JF Professor Jenkins' daring feat in August 1869, this artwork encapsulates the political turmoil faced by Napoleon during that time. As an unpopular ruler grappling with illness, Napoleon's main concern was securing his office for his young son. The image showcases him riding a combination bicycle-velocipede on the tightrope while balancing between Personal Government and Representational Government. His wheels symbolize the delicate equilibrium between Repression and Concession. Beneath Napoleon lies a tumultuous landscape representing the rocks of revolution. This satirical cartoon from Punch magazine reflects both the artist's wit and social commentary on power dynamics in 19th-century France. The black-and-white engraving captures every detail of Napoleon's face - from his distinguished moustache to his regal countenance. As an acrobat-like performer defying gravity amidst natural phenomena, he embodies strength and determination despite overwhelming odds. This heritage image partnership between John Tenniel and Joseph Swain immortalizes not only Napoleon Bonaparte III but also highlights their artistic prowess in capturing historical moments through satire. It serves as a reminder of how art can convey complex concepts such as balance, leadership struggles, and national identity within a single frame.
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