This is a rare early 19th-century satirical print relating to Turkish history and that of the Ottoman Empire. It was made by Thomas Howell Jones (fl. 1823 - 1848) and published by Thomas McLean in 1828. The image shows the three powers of Great Britain, Russia and France carving up the Turkish Empire.
It is an etching with its original hand colouring. It is sold as an original early 19th-century impression - and it is not a later reproduction. The rarity of this work is reflected in my asking price. It came from a small collection of prints relating to Greek and Ottoman History which belong to the historian William St Clair (1937 - 2021).
An impression is in the British Museum. The subject relates to the Treaty of London 1827. Impressions of this work appear to be rare - and the only impression that I can find is the one in the BM.
The history here behind this work is rather complicated and for me - it is perhaps best to rely on the description of the image provided by the British Museum entry on the subject. This is as follows -
HISTORY: This print is a satire on Navarino and the Eastern Question. By the Treaty of London (6 July 1827) the three powers had agreed to seek no territorial gains, exclusive influence, or commercial advantage, but the tension between Russia and the Porte was ominous, and the fate of the Turkish Empire was manifestly at stake. Austria, having refused to sign the Treaty, is excluded from the feast. The names on the three knives are intended for the admirals at Navarino but the Russian commander was Count Heyden.
Above the design "Tria Juncta In Uno". Three sovereigns (H.L.), all in military uniform, carve a turkey, seated at a round table, the surface at the base of the design. The central dominating figure is Nicholas, avidly plying a knife and fork on the bird's breast, inscribed Wallachaia [sic] and Moldavia. A leg is Constantinople. George IV (left) sits in profile to the right, holding but not using his knife and fork; he says sternly: Well, I suppose I too must eat with you; but by George I am afraid the TURKEY is not honestly obtain'd. The Tsar: Oh! never you mind how it is obtain'd leave that to me—Egad I am so hungry, I could eat the whole of it—with plenty of Greece [altered to] Grease and a little East Indian Spice which I think I shall soon possess. Charles X (right) carves a wing with deliberation, saying, Oh! I sall eat of de turkee even if it sall came from old Nic himself—because by Gar I sall can-not help it— Behind his chair stands Francis I, ignored by the other three; he says: I should like do have a slish of de toorkey, but I subboze I shall only com in for de bones vat is left.
On the table, which is almost covered by the bird, is a cruet, with its bottles marked Indian Spice, Empty, and Persian Pepper, and a sauce-boat of Greek Sauce with a ladle inscribed Rebellion. All four sovereigns wear crowns, that of George IV surmounted by a lion, that of Nicholas by a double-headed eagle. On the knife blade of each is the name of an admiral: Berenski, Sir Ed Codrington, De Rigny. On the wall are two pictures (left): Jack in the Seraglio: in an arcaded rotunda sailors are carrying off Turkish ladies; behind the arches, flames are seen, (right) Batt[le of] Navorina [sic]: ships on fire and sinking. 1 February 1828.
Condition: Sold with new window mount and framed - it is all ready for you to just hang on your wall. The print is in good condition with no tears, spotting or discolouration to the sheet - the hand colouring of the etching is original to the print. I have taken a number of images for you to assess the condition and details.
Frame size is 38 x 48 cm.
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