Source 6

Punch, 1876. Benjamin Disraeli is depicting after he has made Queen Victoria Empress of India. 

This source is from Punch, a Victorian satirical magazine. Here, Benjamin Disraeli, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is depicted presenting a crown to Queen Victoria. This cartoon was published in 1876, when Victoria became Empress of India. Benjamin Disraeli had been born into a Jewish family, but was baptized as a child. He was sincere in his Anglican faith, yet continued to be viewed as Jewish throughout his life. Here he is shown in the dress of an oriental pedlar, with an exaggerated nose. This is not how Disraeli dressed or looked in reality (you can see a portrait of him here).

Questions to consider:

1. Why do you think Punch chose to depict the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in these clothes?
2. What does Queen Victoria’s expression in this cartoon tell us about how Punch is suggesting she viewed Disraeli?
3. Why do you think Punch has included the words ‘“NEW CROWNS FOR OLD ONES!” (ALADDIN adapted.)’ in this cartoon?