The Queen with Two Heads

The Queen with Two Heads

John Tenniel

Punch (1 April 1876): 124

Another Tenniel editorial carton opposing Disraeli's pet project of making Queen Victoria the Empress of India, which to many seemed to sully England and the British throne. Starting with the fact that many pubs have names something like "The Queens Head," Tenniel portrays the Prime Minister as a mere sign painter who's efforts are making a good thing into a grotesque abomination. Meanwhile, John Bull, who stands for all Englishmen, stands below, shouting, "No, no, Benjamin, it will never do. You can't improve on the old 'Queens Head'!"

Image scan and text by George P. Landow

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