Fred Rose. A rare late Victorian 'Serio-Comic War Map For the Year 1877'

Fred Rose. A rare late Victorian 'Serio-Comic War Map For the Year 1877', lithograph with hand colouring, in scroll form, published by 'G.W.Bacon & Co. 127, Strand, London', 43 x 56.8cm.

This rare anthropomorphic map was designed by Fred Rose and is a satirical commentary on the 'Eastern Question' and the geo-political situation of 1877. It depicts a fanciful map of Europe with each country represented by an appropriate figure. The main protagonist is Russia in the form of a giant octopus with its tentacles outstretched symbolising threat and advances to the Ottoman Empire. The Turkish figure aims a pistol at the octopus however one can see a skull inscribed 'Bulgaria' on the shoulder of the Turkish figure which symbolises the bloody war crimes the Bulgarians suffered at the hand of the Turks. Britain in the form of Gladstone is a keen but distant observer, Germany is a neutral observer, whilst Austria holds back its new ally Hungary from joining the conflict.

Provenance: The Forde family, Wimbledon, London and by descent.