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The School of Musketry, 1881. Artist: Joseph Swain
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The School of Musketry, 1881. Artist: Joseph Swain
The School of Musketry, 1881. A representative of the Boers asks the British Commander in Chief if he wishes to engage him to teach the British troops how to fire a musket. This relates to an attempt made in February 1881 by the British to take possession of Majuba Hill. However, a counter attack by the Boers left the British suffering heavy loss. Public attention was subsequently called to the inferiority of the shooting of British troops, especially when compared with the excellence of the Boers. From Punch, or the London Charivari
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Media ID 14831721
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
1880 1881 Boer War Challenge Commander Chief Competition Defeat Defeated Heritage Image Partnership John Tenniel Joseph Swain Musket Shooting Sir John Tenniel Standards Swain Tenniel
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The School of Musketry, 1881
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating print that captures a significant moment in history. Created by renowned artists Joseph Swain and John Tenniel, this monochrome engraving transports us back to the late 19th century during the Boer War. The scene depicts a representative of the Boers approaching the British Commander in Chief with an audacious proposal – teaching British troops how to fire a musket. This encounter alludes to the infamous battle at Majuba Hill in February 1881, where the British suffered heavy losses due to their inferior shooting skills compared to their Boer adversaries. With impeccable detail and satire, Swain's artwork highlights not only the military defeat but also exposes the shortcomings of British troops' marksmanship. The print serves as a powerful commentary on politics, competition, and weaponry standards during that era. As we gaze upon this heritage image partnership between two talented artists, we are reminded of both historical events and artistic excellence. "The School of Musketry" encapsulates an important chapter in warfare history while showcasing Swain's mastery of caricature and Tenniel's exceptional engraving skills. This print invites us to reflect on past conflicts and reminds us that even great powers can face defeat when confronted with superior tactics. It stands as a testament to human resilience and serves as a reminder for future generations about the importance of learning from our mistakes.
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