1-150-316 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

'The Eldest Son of the Church', 1860. This cartoon shows Pope Pius IX staring out over the bedclothes at the French Emperor, Napoleon III, who is trying the Papal Crown for size in front of the bedroom mirror. During the past couple of years, both France and Italy had gained some of the territories previously held by the Pope and the Catholic Church. This cartoon takes a little look at the possibility of Napoleon becoming the next pope. However, the accompanying little piece of text dismisses the possibility. Why, Punch asks, can the Emperor of the French never be Pope? Because, according to Punch, by the simple fact it is impossible three crowns can ever make one Napoleon. Crowns and (Louis) Napoleon are both references to coins of the two countries. From Punch, or the London Charivari, December 8, 1860.