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Too Late!, 1885. Artist: Joseph Swain
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Too Late!, 1885. Artist: Joseph Swain
Too Late!, 1885. Britannia mourns the loss of General Gordon. When trouble started to loom in Egypt, the British government sent one of the countrys finest soldiers to sort the matter out. Upon arrival in Cairo, Gordon had set off without an escort to the troublespot of Khartoum. However, he had then become stranded there without support and the Mahdi, the local government officer from Sudan, leading the revolt against Egyptian mismanagement of the Sudan, had eventually taken Gordons citadel. Plans to relieve Gordon had been delayed in London by the governments concentration on the 1884 Reform Act. Gordon died at the hands of the Mahdi two days before help arrived on the 28th January 1855. From Punch, or the London Charivari February 14, 1885
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Media ID 14831897
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Britannia Charles George Gordon Cherles George Chinese Gordon Foreign Affairs Foreign Policy General Charles George General Gordon Gordon Heritage Image Partnership John Tenniel Joseph Swain Loss Mourner Mournful Mourning Sir John Tenniel Swain Tenniel Allegorical Figure
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The print titled "Too Late!, 1885" captures the poignant moment when Britannia mourns the loss of General Gordon. In 1885, as trouble loomed in Egypt, the British government dispatched one of their finest soldiers to resolve the crisis. However, upon reaching Cairo, General Gordon ventured alone to Khartoum, where he became stranded without support. As Sudan's local government officer and leader of the revolt against Egyptian mismanagement, known as the Mahdi, took control of Gordon's citadel, plans to rescue him were delayed due to London's preoccupation with passing the 1884 Reform Act. Tragically, two days before help arrived on January 28th, 1855 - too late - Gordon fell victim to the hands of the Mahdi. This engraving from Punch or The London Charivari on February 14th depicts a mournful Britannia personifying grief over this great loss. Clad in allegorical attire and armed with a sword symbolizing her strength and determination in foreign affairs and politics, she stands as an emblematic figure representing Britain's sorrow. Joseph Swain masterfully created this black-and-white caricature under John Tenniel's direction for publication in Punch magazine. The image serves not only as a satire but also highlights how political decisions can have dire consequences on individuals like General Charles George Gordon. Through this heritage image partnership print collector1 brings forth an enduring reminder of sacrifice and tragedy during warfare in nineteenth-century Egypt.
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