La Piovra Russa — Papagallo No. 15 (1878)

Tentacles across a continent. In this biting 1878 satirical map by Augusto Grossi (1835–1919) for the Bologna humor weekly Il Papagallo, Europe becomes a stage where a monstrous “Russian octopus” reaches toward its neighbors. Caricature, cartography, and politics meet in one unforgettable image.

Why it captivates

• Cartographic satire — a whole geopolitics in one clever, legible picture.

• Bold caricature — rulers and nations reduced to sharp, memorable symbols.

• Historic flashpoint — post–Russo-Turkish War tensions drawn with wit.

• Graphic clarity — clean lines and strong silhouettes read beautifully at scale.

• Conversation piece — journalism, design, and history on a single sheet.

• Statement artwork — arresting focal point for studies, libraries, and offices.

What you’ll see

A European map swarmed by the kraken/octopus of “Russia”; neighboring states rendered as caricatured figures with captions and sly visual jokes; simple coastlines, clear borders, and tidy lettering for instant readability. Up close: crisp hatching and period typography. From a step back: a witty, high-impact tableau.

A richer historical frame

Published during Anno VI of Il Papagallo, Grossi’s “La Piovra Russa” channels the era’s anxieties—the Eastern Question, shifting alliances, and imperial reach—into a single visual metaphor. It’s 19th-century political cartooning at its most distilled: news turned into an icon.

Choose your finish

🌟 Heavyweight Paper (160 gsm matte)
Archival-grade, smooth matte stock ideal for framing under glass. Crisp detail, minimal glare.

💎 Laminated (True Encapsulation)
Sealed in 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate, edge-to-edge. Durable, wipe-clean—perfect for busy spaces.

🪵 Laminated + Timber Hang Rails (Ready to hang)
Lacquered natural timber rails with fitted hanging cord; no frame required.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.

🏆 Archival Canvas (395 gsm HP Professional Matte)
Museum-quality texture with pigment-based, fade-resistant inks for rich tone and fine detail.

🪵 Canvas + Timber Hang Rails (Gallery-ready)
As above, supplied with lacquered natural timber rails and hanging cord.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.

Size (W × H)

841 × 549 mm (approx. 33.11 × 21.61 in)

• Orientation: Landscape

• Aspect ratio: ~1.532 : 1

• Nearest standard frame: A1 (594 × 841 mm) — landscape

• Framing tips:

  • Classic look: cut the mat window to ~837 × 545 mm for a 2–3 mm edge overlap.

  • Contemporary look: float-mount in an A1 frame for a clean gallery reveal.

Custom sizing: Available on request (alternative aspect ratios or added white border).

Specifications

Who it’s for

• Political-cartoon & map enthusiasts

• Historians of 19th-century Europe and visual satire

• Collectors & stylists curating bold, conversation-starting walls

• Educators illustrating media, metaphor, and geopolitics

Our Commitment

Every print is produced locally in Australia on premium substrates with careful colour management, then checked and packed by hand so it arrives ready to impress. From studio to wall, we stand behind the craftsmanship and historical integrity of your piece.

Let a classic of satirical cartography anchor your space—order your fine-art print of La Piovra Russa today.