Caricature of Tennyson and the Marquess of Queensberry
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Caricature of Tennyson and the Marquess of Queensberry
Caricature of Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-1892), Poet Laureate, and John Sholto Douglas, 9th Marquess of Queensberry (1844-1900). The Marquess had ejected from the Globe Theatre, London, for loudly interrupted the performance of a play by Tennyson, The Promise of May, on secularist grounds, disliking the fact that the villain of the play was an atheist.
1882
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Media ID 14310638
© Terry Parker / Mary Evans Picture Library
1882 Atheist Boxing Bryan Conflict Confrontation Ejected Encounter Entracte Fight Free Globe Gloves Laureate Marquess Marquis Performance Promise Queensberry Satire Satirical Tennyson Thinker Thinking Villain Douglas Secularism Secularist
EDITORS COMMENTS
This caricature depicts a memorable encounter between two prominent figures of the Victorian era: Alfred, Lord Tennyson, the Poet Laureate, and John Sholto Douglas, the 9th Marquess of Queensberry. The image was created in 1882, during a time when intellectual and social debates were commonplace, particularly regarding secularist beliefs. Tennyson, renowned for his poetic masterpieces, was performing his play "The Promise of May" at the Globe Theatre in London. The Marquess of Queensberry, a known free-thinker and advocate for traditional values, took offense to the secularist themes in the play, specifically the portrayal of an atheist villain. Unable to contain his disapproval, Queensberry disrupted the performance, leading to his ejection from the theatre. This satirical illustration by Terry Parker captures the essence of the confrontation between the two men. Tennyson, with a quill in hand and a thoughtful expression, represents the intellectual and artistic community, while Queensberry, shown with boxing gloves and a stern expression, embodies the traditionalist and confrontational stance. The caricature not only highlights the conflict between these opposing viewpoints but also adds a touch of humor to the situation. The image serves as a reminder of the vibrant intellectual discourse that characterized the Victorian era, where ideas and beliefs were openly debated, and where art and literature played a significant role in shaping societal norms and values.
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