1-150-698 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

'Feline Friends; or, The British Lion and the Persian Chat!', 1873. The Russian Bear is shackled in the background as the Persian Pussycat cuddles up to the great British Lion. This relates to the visit to Britain of the Shah of Persia (now Iran). Throughout his visit, he was received with formality and courtesy. Russia had recently taken Khiva, in independent Turkestan. However, it was believed that England's interests in the East were safe whilst stable relations were maintained with Persia. From Punch, or the London Charivari, June 21, 1873.