Russian image in political caricature at the edge of XIX-XX centuries

The aim of investigation was the political caricature analysis as the satirical image of Russia, through its political rivals' view and its culturological interpretation in the context of the political situation having formed in the Far East at the edge of XIX-XX centuries. As visual image, the caricature displayed some characteristic features of the Russian Empire in Eastern Issue solution and became a specific milestone of its policy in the region. The source of the article were caricatures printed at the given time in numerous satirical publications in France, England, the USA, Japan. Examination of Eastern policy subjects' ludicrous forms gave to the authors the possibility to transform the language of ideas into that of images and to portray the situation with complicated interrelations between Russia and leading powers in the investigated chronological period. Defining caricature line logics the authors presented political image of Russia through world public opinion, caricatures being carefully examined. Thus, we came to the following conclusions: Russian successful expansion policy in the East (railways construction in Manchuria, bank system foundation as the means of financial influence, ice-free ports lease), thus safeguarding its own economic targets and strengthening the Eastern boarders, it was the reason of open enmity from its political rivals, aiming to get their piece of Chinese pie, this being the cause of Russian demonization through satirical means as well. The most popular satirical image of Russia happened to be the Bear, associated with this country in world community's opinion, this very animal was to be dressed by the whole world. Its changing visual pictures of the octopus and the Cossack in shaggy cap, nevertheless, did not alter the essence: Russia in the eyes of Europe and the USA remained the plunderer greedy for someone else's belongings. Direction of the image fully varied after Russo-Japenese war when Russia faced great losses in respect of its formally successful Eastern policy. In the political caricature terrible Russian Bear retreated before the Samurai's sword and transformed into the war loser. National aspect of the visualization in this case does not allow to speak about Russian portrait objectivity. But many sided investigation of political images created by caricaturists in many countries permit to imagine complete historical scenery and define Russia's role in its development and transformation.

Keywords

Authors

References