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A Voice from the Clouds, 1875. Artist: Joseph Swain
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A Voice from the Clouds, 1875. Artist: Joseph Swain
A Voice from the Clouds, 1875. John Bull, the representative of the British people, stands up to his thighs in flood water, surrounded by the wreckage of household furniture. Jupiter of the Rains admonishes him for not having made adequate preparations for the floods. It seems that 1875 was a very wet year, with rainfall well above average. By the end of November many areas were suffering from severe flooding. It was claimed that no adequate safeguards were in place to prevent such occurrences and that lessons had not been learned from previous floods. As Mr Punch said, Tis the old, old story over again. From Punch, or the London Charivari, November 27, 1875
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Media ID 14831327
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Flood Flooded Heritage Image Partnership John Bull John Tenniel Joseph Swain Jupiter Rain Raining Sir John Tenniel Storm Swain Tenniel Umbrella Wreckage Allegorical Figure
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A Voice from the Clouds, 1875
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a thought-provoking print by Joseph Swain that captures the essence of a tumultuous year in British history. In this satirical depiction, John Bull, symbolizing the British people, finds himself immersed up to his thighs in floodwater amidst the wreckage of household furniture. Standing before him is Jupiter of the Rains, an allegorical figure representing nature's wrath and admonishing Bull for his lack of preparedness. The artwork reflects the dire consequences of severe flooding that plagued many areas throughout 1875 due to unusually heavy rainfall. It highlights society's frustration with inadequate safeguards and failure to learn from past experiences. As Mr Punch aptly remarked, it was "the old, old story over again". Swain's monochrome engraving showcases intricate details such as Bull's defiant posture and beard contrasting against dark storm clouds overhead. The image evokes a sense of vulnerability and powerlessness in the face of natural disasters. This nineteenth-century piece serves as both social commentary and religious allusion through its use of mythological figures like Jupiter. It reminds viewers that even in an era marked by scientific advancements, humanity remains subject to forces beyond its control. As we gaze upon this heritage image partnership between Joseph Swain and John Tenniel – renowned for their contributions to publications like Punch – we are reminded not only of Britain's historical struggles with floods but also how art can convey powerful messages about our relationship with nature and our ability (or lack thereof) to mitigate its destructive forces.
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