Dutch caricature map of Europe during the Franco-Austrian War by Jan van Brederode

Jan van Brederode's rare 1859 Dutch caricatural map is an exceptional example of anthropomorphic satirical cartography that ironically portrays the complex political situation during the Franco-Austrian War, also known as the Second Italian War of Independence. At the center of the scene, France, represented by Emperor Napoleon III, and Austria, probably depicted by General Ludwig von Benedek, are engaged in hand-to-hand combat in northern Italy, the theater of military operations. The small figure of the Kingdom of Sardinia, brandishing a saber from behind France's leg, and the red-jacketed Italian revolutionaries, stabbing Austria in the foot, add dynamism and highlight the alliances and tensions of the era. Meanwhile, other areas of Italy are enlivened by evocative symbols: the Pope, stunned by the possibility of unification, and Naples, captive in chains but full of hope.

The map then extends the satire to other European protagonists, representing Russia as a bearded giant pushing a boulder labeled "Pan-Slavism," threatening to crush Austria and the entire continent. Great Britain, embodied by the stern Prime Minister Edward Smith-Stanley, observes the scene disapprovingly and neutrally, while Germany, under the figure of Emperor Wilhelm I, displays ambiguous attitudes, with a rifle and foot destabilizing France. The Ottoman Empire, on the other hand, focuses on the Russian threat, ignoring the closer conflict. Finally, Spain and Scandinavia observe from afar with different attitudes, ready to intervene if necessary or remaining neutral. Given the ephemeral nature of satirical maps of this type and the extremely limited number of known specimens, this work represents a rare and precious historical and artistic document of 19th-century European politics.

Unique quality material

Print on Amalfi handmade paper
Sheet size: 40 x 30 cm
With frame: 43 x 33 cm
Material: work printed on very precious handmade Amalfi paper with deckled edges
Frame: Light brown, made of beech wood and handmade wood pulp