Faure's eerste nacht in Rusland Possibly 1897 - 1898

"Faure's eerste nacht in Rusland," a satirical cartoon created by Willem van Konijnenburg in 1897 or 1898, depicts a man sleeping in a lavish bed as two Russian soldiers guard him. The drawing likely refers to the French President, Félix Faure, and his visit to Russia, where he was met with grand hospitality but also suspicion and pressure. The image playfully satirizes the anxieties of the French president, illustrating his "benauwde droom" or "anxious dream" through the soldiers and the eagle on the bed canopy. Van Konijnenburg's meticulous penmanship and exaggerated figures contribute to the humorous and critical tone of the work. The artwork, a striking example of political satire, provides insight into the historical context of late 19th century international relations and the anxieties of the time.