1-150-303 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

'The Reform Janus', 1860. Here, Janus has the face(s) of Lord Russell, who had recently introduced an unpopular bill for Parliamentary Reform. In Roman mythology, the god Janus represents doorways and passageways, and is usually depicted with two faces, one looking forwards, and one backwards. On the left is John Bright, MP for Birmingham, a passionate advocate of reform. He is to be consoled by the promise that the proposed bill will double his constituency. On the right of 'Janus' Russell, however, is the former premier, Lord Derby. He is being consoled by the promise that the bill will only add a total of one per cent to the franchise. Both men, however, wear deeply suspicious expressions. From Punch, or the London Charivari, May 5, 1860.