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King Cotton Bound; Or, The Modern Prometheus, 1861
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King Cotton Bound; Or, The Modern Prometheus, 1861
King Cotton Bound; Or, The Modern Prometheus, 1861. King Cotton is represented as Prometheus who, firegiver and champion of the people, is condemned by Jupiter to be bound to a rock for eternity. Every day, an eagle will tear at his liver, and every night, his liver will regrow. His suffering will never end. After President Lincoln blockaded the ports of the Southern States, their main export, cotton, could not get through. Britain at this time imported most of its cotton from the United States and would shortly start to feel the pinch. The eagle tearing at Prometheuss liver represents both Southern and Northern States as illustrated by the number of stars on its wings. Thus, both sides are responsible for the distress caused by the cotton not being able to leave port. From Punch, or the London Charivari, November 2, 1861
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Media ID 14829341
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Beak Blockade Bound Captive Captivity Chain Chained Cotton Eagle Export Frustrated Frustration Heritage Image Partnership Mythical Figure Pecking Prometheus Tied Allegorical Figure Embargo
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The print titled "King Cotton Bound; Or, The Modern Prometheus, 1861" captures a powerful allegory of the political and economic turmoil during the American Civil War. In this image, King Cotton is depicted as Prometheus, the firegiver and champion of the people. However, his defiance against Jupiter's rule leads to eternal punishment - being bound to a rock while an eagle tears at his liver every day. This representation symbolizes the devastating impact of President Lincoln's blockade on Southern cotton exports. As Britain heavily relied on American cotton imports, both Northern and Southern states are held responsible for the distress caused by this trade disruption. The eagle tearing at Prometheuss liver represents these divided sides with stars on its wings. The black and white cartoon-like engraving from Punch magazine in November 1861 showcases frustration and captivity through its chained figure. It serves as a satirical commentary on politics, trade embargoes, and power struggles prevalent during that era. As we observe this historical print today, it reminds us of how conflicts can have far-reaching consequences beyond national borders. It also highlights the enduring nature of suffering when caught in political disputes or economic blockades. This image offers insight into 19th-century America's struggle for dominance amidst global trade dynamics while emphasizing timeless themes such as power imbalance and human resilience in adversity.
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