Sarah Bernhardt, The Modern Rizpah, Protecting Her Son from the Clerical Vultures
New York: Kepler and Schwarzmann, 1880.
Original print. Offset color lithograph. Page measures 13 1/8" x 9 7/8"
This powerful cartoon depicts the famous actress Sarah Bernhardt portrayed as Rizpah, the biblical figure and concubine of Saul, whose sons were killed as retribution for Saul's crimes against the Gibeonites. After being put to death and hung from a post, Rizpah spent several months protecting her sons' bodies from scavengers and birds of prey until they could be properly buried. The French painter Georges Becker painted the scene in 1875; this cartoon mimics Becker's famous image, with Sarah's son, Maurice, hung from a post labeled as "Public Prejudice." Published in the December 29, 1880 issue of Puck, Vol. VIII No. 199.
Founded in 1871, Puck was the first American humor magazine to find widespread success, to which its caricatures and cartoons were a substantial contributing factor. It was published in English and German and reached a wide audience on both sides of the political spectrum by campaigning for good government. Its satirical cartoons provide an enlightening and entertaining look into this era of American politics.
Illustrator: Taylor, C. J.
Language: English
Price: $200.00
Item #302387