Amateur pen and ink artwork about the suppression of the Paris Commune 1871
Anonymous (signed with initials “E.W.J.”). The British Excursionist in Paris (July, 1871). An amateur series of sketches about the suppression of the Paris Commune. [July 1871 or shortly thereafter].
Single sheet 220x280mm, pen-and-ink drawing, divided into four captioned panels, each illustrating a satirical scene involving British visitors in Paris following the suppression of the Paris Commune. Signed with initials “E.W.J.” at lower right. Very good condition overall. Some light toning, minor surface marks, with a crease to the bottom right hand corner. Preserved within a scrapbook, with the reverse with hand written poems and a montage of contemporary pictures.
A contemporary British satirical response to the aftermath of the Paris Commune of March–May 1871, drawn shortly after the violent recapture of Paris by government forces. The four scenes depict British tourists negotiating ruined buildings, compromised hotels and rubble. The captions from July 1871 or shortly after, are from when British travel to Paris cautiously resumed and the amateur artist may well have visited Paris at around this time or conversely may have sketched these scenes based on contemporary reports in the press. Either way it is rare British contemporary satire about the Paris Commune.

