[The modern argonauts with their golden "fleece"]

A crew of "modern argonauts" sails on a small, overcrowded ancient Greek vessel, sitting on bags of money. The sailors include: English writer Matthew Arnold; Anglican clergyman Canon Frederick William Farrar; Irish poet and dramatist, Oscar Wilde; English actor Sir Henry Irving; English dramatist and librettist William Schwenck Gilbert; British actress and beauty, Lillie Langtry.

No copyright information found with item.

Published caption continues: Respectfully dedicated to W.S. Gilbert and others who "have been pillaged right and left" by Americans.

Signed, lower right: O Herford.

Title from Life.

Bequest and gift; Caroline and Erwin Swann; 1974; (DLC/PP-1974:232.1023)

Herford's cartoon is a parody on the Greek legend of Jason and the Argonauts who sails to Colchis in quest of the Golden Fleece. The caption may refer to the growing concern over the uncontrolled copyright infringement in the U.S. of the work of foreigners without credit or just compensation. The commentary that accompanies the cartoon facetiously suggests that these "pillaged" foreigners had actually profited from their successes in the United States, fleecing the Americans in the process.

Published in: Life, March 11, 1886.

argonauts greek mythology actors authors clergy england sailing ships cartoons commentary american drawings periodical illustrations satires visual works old england argonauts fleece political cartoons vintage images 19th century 19th century drawing victorian era victorian england victorian britain history of england cartoon drawings swann collection of caricature and cartoon oliver herford drawing performing arts theater actresses aristocracy british victorian era illustrations library of congress

01/01/1886

Library of Congress

http://www.loc.gov/

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