The three mares/mayors, New York course, spring races, 1838
A satire on the 1838 New York mayoralty contest, here shown as a horse race between (left to right) Whig candidate Aaron Clark, Democrat Richard Riker, and Loco Foco Democrat Isaac L. Varian. Clark is clearly i... More
The fox chace. Book illustration from Library of Congress
The artist's portrayal of Harrison's rout of Van Buren reflects strong Whig confidence late in the presidential campaign of 1840. Van Buren is shown as a fox, with a bird (an albatross?) labeled "Treasury" aro... More
All the West going for Matty - Public domain book illustration, Librar...
A Whig cartoon spoofing Democratic claims of Western support for Van Buren during the election of 1840. Pursued by animals from the "Alleghany Mountains" and the Mississippi River, including among others a buf... More
Polk's dream Historic map, Library of Congress
Here Clay is critical of James K. Polk's public advocacy of the 54.40 parallel as the northern boundary of American territory in Oregon. The cartoon also alludes to widespread uncertainty as to the course the ... More
What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander
The opposition of Northern abolitionists, churchmen, and political figures to enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 is criticized in this rare pro-Southern cartoon. In two panels artist Edward Williams ... More
Life in Philadelphia. Plate 13 / Clay fecit 1829.
Print shows an African American couple walking on the street; the woman asks the man whether he likes the waltz. Exchange; (DLC/PP-1973:253). Caption: "How you like de waltz, Mr. Lorenzo?" "'Pon de honour of... More
Life in Philadelphia. Plate 11 C
Print shows an African American woman, wearing a very large hat, in a shop trying to purchase a pair of stockings. Plate XI. Caption: "Have you any flesh coloured silk stockings, young man?" "Oui Madame! her... More
Whig bazaar - Political cartoon, public domain image
Publd. by H.R. Robinson, 52 Cortlandt St. N-York. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1837 by H.R. Robinson, in the Clerks Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern Distr... More
America / E.W.C. - Print, Library of Congress collection
Print shows an idealized portrayal of American slavery and the conditions of blacks under this system in 1841. The Library's impression of the print is a fragment--the left panel only--of a larger print entitle... More
The disappointed abolitionists. Book illustration from Library of Cong...
Three men at left, one saying, "Verily friend Darg since we have returned thee thy money, I claim the reward of $1000 - Brother Barney Corse was merely my agent, verily!" Another "Yea verily I was but thy instr... More
Notice to quit. March 4th 1841 - Public domain book illustration, Libr...
An optimistic Whig artist (probably Edward Williams Clay) portrays Martin Van Buren's evacuation of the White House on Inauguration Day 1841. A disgruntled Van Buren descends the steps, muttering "Our sufferin... More
America / E.W.C. - Print, Library of Congress collection
Print shows an idealized portrayal of American slavery and the conditions of blacks under this system in 1841. The Library's impression of the print is a fragment--the left panel only--of a larger print entitle... More
Present Presidential position. Book illustration from Library of Congr...
Once again Polk's handling of the Oregon territorial dispute between the United States and Great Britain is criticized. (See "Polk's Dream" and "War! or No War!" nos. 1846-2 and 1846-4). Here the artist seems t... More
The nations bulwark. A well disciplined militia
A satire on the Philadelphia militia, the first and apparently only number issued in a projected series of "Sketches of Character" by Edward Williams Clay. In the center an officer reviews a disorderly line of ... More
N. Tom o' logical studies. The great tumble bug of Missouri, bent-on r...
A caricature of Missouri senator Thomas Hart Benton, as an insect rolling a large ball "Expunging Resolution" uphill toward the Capitol. The print employs Benton's own metaphor of rolling a ball for his uphill ... More
The seven stages of the office seeker / Clay, fecit.
A satire on patronage and corruption in New York State politics, based on the medieval theme, perpetuated in American folk art, of the "life and ages of man." Here the seven stages are illustrated as key points... More
New edition of MacBeth. Bank-oh's! Ghost
Another satire on the Panic of 1837, again condemning Van Buren's continuation of predecessor Andrew Jackson's hard-money policies as the source of the crisis. Clay shows the president haunted by the ghost of C... More
Matty's dream. Book illustration from Library of Congress
Clay portrays Martin Van Buren driven from the White House by nightmares of cider barrels and Whig presidential challenger William Henry Harrison. Van Buren flees the presidential mansion in his nightshirt, dro... More
Grand set to between rough and ready and Genal. Gas
Zachary Taylor and Lewis Cass engage in a bout of fisticuffs in their battle for the presidency in 1848. Taylor, clearly getting the better of his opponent, seizes Cass by the lapels saying, "A little more gra... More
Political race course - Union Track - fall races 1836
A figurative portrayal -- clearly sympathetic to the Whig party -- of the 1836 presidential election contest as a horse race between four candidates. The four are identified in the legend as (left to right): "O... More
Life in Philadelphia. Plate 14 / Clay.
Print shows an African American woman in a millinery shop trying on a large bonnet; she asks the advice of a man who tells her he doesn't like it because it is too large and hides her face. Exchange; (DLC/PP-19... More
The nations bulwark. A well disciplined militia
A satire on the Philadelphia militia, the first and apparently only number issued in a projected series of "Sketches of Character" by Edward Williams Clay. In the center an officer reviews a disorderly line of ... More
Executive mercy/Marcy and the Bambers
An attack on New York governor William L. Marcy's controversial decision to surrender Irish fugitives John Bamber, Sr., and his son James to the British consul after their detention in New York. The Bambers, wa... More
Loco Foco persecution, or custom house, versus caricatures
A satire on the publisher's own troubles with the Democratic establishment in New York. In his print shop Henry R. Robinson is confronted by an unidentified man (center, arms crossed) who says, "I am determined... More
O'Connell's call and Pat's reply, Political Cartoon
A condemnation of Daniel O'Connell's agitation of Irish immigrants in the United States against slavery. The artist, certainly E.W. Clay, presents a loaded contrast between turbulent conditions in Ireland and t... More
Ornithology - Engraving, Public domain image, Political Cartoon
A mild election-year cartoon portraying Whig presidential candidate Winfield Scott (left) as a turkey and Democrat Franklin Pierce (right) as a gamecock. The two face each other from opposite sides of "Mason &... More
America / E.W.C. - Print, Library of Congress collection
Print shows an idealized portrayal of American slavery and the conditions of blacks under this system in 1841. The Library's impression of the print is a fragment--the left panel only--of a larger print entitle... More
Funeral obsequies of free-trade, Political Cartoon
A gloomy view of the effects of the Polk administration's Tariff of 1846. The artist echoes Whig condemnation of the measure as adverse to American trade. A funeral cortege, composed of administration supporter... More
Scene in Uncle Sam's Senate. 17th April 1850
A somewhat tongue-in-cheek dramatization of the moment during the heated debate in the Senate over the admission of California as a free state when Mississippi senator Henry S. Foote drew a pistol on Thomas Har... More
Experiments on the tight rope - Political cartoon, public domain image
A figurative portrayal of Whig candidate Winfield Scott's failure in the 1852 presidential contest, attributed by the artist to his alliance with abolitionist interests. Scott is hoisted aloft via a pulley sys... More
John Bull's fish monopoly - Victorian era public domain image
An anti-British satire, reflecting American enragement at Britain's tightening of restrictions on territorial waters open to American fishermen off the coast of Canada. In July 1852, England notified the Unite... More
Political race course - Union Track - fall races 1836
A figurative portrayal -- clearly sympathetic to the Whig party -- of the 1836 presidential election contest as a horse race between four candidates. The four are identified in the legend as (left to right): "O... More
Zachary Taylor, major genl. of the U.S. Army / F. Michelin Lith. 111 N...
Print showing Zachary Taylor, head-and-shoulders portrait, right profile. 124 U.S. Copyright Office. Facsimile signature "Z. Taylor" at head of title. Inscribed in ink: 124. Deposited in the Clerk's Office for... More
N. Tom o' logical studies. The great tumble bug of Missouri, bent-on r...
A caricature of Missouri senator Thomas Hart Benton, as an insect rolling a large ball "Expunging Resolution" uphill toward the Capitol. The print employs Benton's own metaphor of rolling a ball for his uphill ... More
![Life in Philadelphia. Plate 8 / Monsr. [Key] fecit.](https://cache.getarchive.net/Prod/thumb/cdn18/L3Bob3RvLzIwMTkvMTAvMjQvbGlmZS1pbi1waGlsYWRlbHBoaWEtcGxhdGUtOC1tb25zci1rZXktZmVjaXQtYzBhMzNlLTY0MC5qcGc%3D/40/45/webp "Life in Philadelphia. Plate 8 / Monsr. [Key] fecit.")
Life in Philadelphia. Plate 8 / Monsr. [Key] fecit.
Print shows a dandy on a Philadelphia street accosting a woman wearing a large coat with a large hood covering her hairdo. Exchange; (DLC/PP-1973:238). Caption: "Good evening Miss, shall I have the pleasure of... More
Uncle Sam sick with la grippe - Drawing. Public domain image.
A satire attributing the dire fiscal straits of the nation to Andrew Jackson's banking policies, with specific reference to recent bank failures in New Orleans, New York, and Philadelphia. The artist blames th... More
The organ kicked out - Public domain book illustration, Library of Con...
The Senate's February 1847 resolution barring reporters and editors of the "Washington Union" from the Senate floor and gallery was the basis for the artist's demeaning portrayal of the newspaper's powerful edi... More
Quartette from the new opera of the "Whig celebration at Lundy's Lane....
Winfield Scott's controversial performance as commander in the War of 1812 battle at Lundy's Lane turned to account by the artist in this parody of the general's candidacy in 1852. The battle of Lundy's Lane ag... More
The presidential sweepstakes of 1844. Preparing to start
Again, the race motif is used to parody election-year rivalries. (See "Footrace, Pensylvania Avenue," no. 1844-41). Here the artist portrays the candidates as horses, lining up before a stand from which several... More
Battle of the Thames. Respectfully dedicated to Andrew Jackson Esq. Pr...
Print shows American forces fighting Tecumseh's Indian confederation. In the center Col. R. M. Johnson shoots Tecumseh who has raised his tomahawk. A legend at the bottom describes the men pictured and describ... More
Life in Philadelphia. Plate 14 / Clay.
Print shows an African American woman in a millinery shop trying on a large bonnet; she asks the advice of a man who tells her he doesn't like it because it is too large and hides her face. Exchange; (DLC/PP-19... More
Life in Philadelphia. Plate 11 / C.
Print shows an African American woman, wearing a very large hat, in a shop trying to purchase a pair of stockings. Plate XI. Caption: "Have you any flesh coloured silk stockings, young man?" "Oui Madame! her... More
On the way to Araby! - Political cartoon, public domain image
Satire on the Jackson administration's continuing battle against the Bank of the United States. The print was specifically occasioned by the re-chartering of the Bank by the Whig-controlled Pennsylvania Legisla... More
Machines for the new pay-tent office
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1838, by H.R. Robinson, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern District of New York. Printed & published by H.R. Rob... More
Animal magnetism - A cartoon of a man sitting in a chair talking to an...
A swipe at President Van Buren's independent treasury system and his continuation of the monetary policies of predecessor Andrew Jackson. The artist, clearly in sympathy with the Whigs, links corruption in the ... More
Neptune House, New Rochelle, West Chester County, New York
Print shows a scenic advertisement, with the date "July 1st, 1842" in the ad. This record contains unverified data from PGA shelflist card. Associated name on shelflist card: Clay, E.W. Currier & Ives : a catal... More
Ultimatum on the Oregon question, Political Cartoon
In his typically jingoist view of Polk's handling of the Oregon question, the artist Edward Williams Clay belittles the self-interested attitudes of Europe toward the dispute. The issue of whether to settle the... More
Set-to between the champion old tip & the swell Dutcheman of Kinderhoo...
Satire on the presidential campaign of 1836, portraying the contest as a boxing match between Democratic candidate Martin Van Buren and Whig candidate William Henry Harrison. The artist clearly favors Harrison.... More
The whale that swallowed Jonah - Public domain book illustration, Libr...
An election-year cartoon satirizing disharmony within the Whig ranks on the bank issue. The artist suggests a division of opinion between New England's Daniel Webster and presidential nominee Henry Clay on the ... More
The presidential sweepstakes of 1844. Preparing to start
Again, the race motif is used to parody election-year rivalries. (See "Footrace, Pensylvania Avenue," no. 1844-41). Here the artist portrays the candidates as horses, lining up before a stand from which several... More
Zachary Taylor, major genl. of the U.S. Army / F. Michelin Lith. 111 N...
Print showing Zachary Taylor, head-and-shoulders portrait, right profile. 124 U.S. Copyright Office. Facsimile signature "Z. Taylor" at head of title. Inscribed in ink: 124. Deposited in the Clerk's Office for... More
Battle of the Thames. Respectfully dedicated to Andrew Jackson Esq. Pr...
Print shows American forces fighting Tecumseh's Indian confederation. In the center Col. R. M. Johnson shoots Tecumseh who has raised his tomahawk. A legend at the bottom describes the men pictured and describ... More
The times - Political cartoon, public domain image
A commentary on the depressed state of the American economy, particularly in New York, during the financial panic of 1837. Again, the blame is laid on the treasury policies of Andrew Jackson, whose hat, spectac... More
![Life in Philadelphia. Plate 8 / Monsr. [Key] fecit.](https://cache.getarchive.net/Prod/thumb/cdn18/L3Bob3RvLzIwMTkvMTAvMjQvbGlmZS1pbi1waGlsYWRlbHBoaWEtcGxhdGUtOC1tb25zci1rZXktZmVjaXQtMTAzN2E3LTEwMjQuanBn/40/44/webp "Life in Philadelphia. Plate 8 / Monsr. [Key] fecit.")
Life in Philadelphia. Plate 8 / Monsr. [Key] fecit.
Print shows a dandy on a Philadelphia street accosting a woman wearing a large coat with a large hood covering her hairdo. Exchange; (DLC/PP-1973:238). Caption: "Good evening Miss, shall I have the pleasure of... More
The ruins of Phelps & Peck's store
This record contains unverified data from PGA shelflist card. Associated name on shelflist card: Clay, E.W.
Caricature, An interesting family, public domain cartoon image
A caricature of Martin Van Buren as an opossum. The marsupial, with a smirking Van Buren's head, rises on its hindquarters and displays in its pouch three of its "young." They are administration insiders (left... More
Going up Salt River - Public domain book illustration, Library of Cong...
Political cartoons friendly to Van Buren were the rare exception during the 1840 campaign. Here the artist parodies the exploitation by Whig politicians of populist candidate William Henry Harrison. Martin Van ... More
Political game of brag. Shew of hands
The artist resorts to the familiar metaphor of a card game for the presidential stakes in his rendition of the 1848 contest. The major contenders play a game of "brag" (an early form of poker). Around the tabl... More
The seven stages of the office seeker / Clay, fecit.
A satire on patronage and corruption in New York State politics, based on the medieval theme, perpetuated in American folk art, of the "life and ages of man." Here the seven stages are illustrated as key points... More
.00001 the value of a unit with four cyphers going before it
A satire on dissension and political intrigue within Andrew Jackson's administration, surrounding the Spring 1831 resignations of several members of his Cabinet. In the center Jackson sits in a collapsing chair... More
The almighty lever. Book illustration from Library of Congress
E. W. Clay's apocalyptic allegory has public opinion as a giant lever, tilting decisively in favor of the Whigs late in the presidential campaign of 1840. In a symbolic landscape masses of people climb onto the... More
Political Jesuitism--or interest versus principle
A virulent attack on Vice-President George M. Dallas, charging the former Pennsylvania attorney and senator with duplicity in his stand on the tariff of 1846. "Jesuitism" was a strong contemporary term for dece... More
The fish question settled - Public domain print
A facetious, and somewhat racist, look at public opinion surrounding the controversy over American fishing rights in British-controlled waters off North America. (See also "John Bull's Fish Monopoly," no. 1852-... More
Major Ringgold: mortally wounded at the Battle of Palo Alto, May 8th 1...
Print shows Major Samuel Ringgold with wounds to his legs, supported by two fellow officers, his horse on the ground next to him, also suffering from wounds, another officer stands next to the horse and one lie... More
Town & country making another drive at the great question.--No go!!
A mild reproof of Zachary Taylor's evasion of the slavery question in the campaign of 1848. Although Taylor's views were widely broadcast in the form of published letters, his stand on the main issue--the Wilmo... More
The times - A drawing of a group of men standing in front of a buildin...
A commentary on the depressed state of the American economy, particularly in New York, during the financial panic of 1837. Again, the blame is laid on the treasury policies of Andrew Jackson, whose hat, spectac... More
Life in Philadelphia. Plate 11 / C.
Print shows an African American woman, wearing a very large hat, in a shop trying to purchase a pair of stockings. Plate XI. Caption: "Have you any flesh coloured silk stockings, young man?" "Oui Madame! her... More
Life in Philadelphia. Plate 11 / C.
Print shows an African American woman, wearing a very large hat, in a shop trying to purchase a pair of stockings. Plate XI. Caption: "Have you any flesh coloured silk stockings, young man?" "Oui Madame! her... More
Matty's perilous situation up Salt River
A pro-Whig satire on the presidential campaign of 1840. Martin Van Buren is neck-deep in the waters of "Salt River," a colloquial term for political misfortune or failure. He sinks under the weight of boxes m... More
Life in Philadelphia. How you like de new fashiom shirt, Miss Florinda...
Print shows a garishly dressed African American man talking with a garishly dressed African American woman in a parlor. Caption continues: I tink dey mighty elegum I see you on new year day when you carry de ... More
The ship of state on a lee shore, experienced hands coming to her res...
The artist forecasts a Whig electoral victory and dramatizes the politically ruinous effects of Van Buren's fiscal policy and his alignment with Loco Foco forces in New York. Whig candidate William Henry Harri... More
The seven stages of the office seeker / Clay, fecit.
A satire on patronage and corruption in New York State politics, based on the medieval theme, perpetuated in American folk art, of the "life and ages of man." Here the seven stages are illustrated as key points... More
Fanny Elssler and the Baltimoreans, Political Cartoon
A scornful look at the reception of German ballerina Fanny Elssler in Baltimore. The New York artist ridicules the adulation given the touring performer by the Baltimore public. During her July 1840 visit there... More
Patent Democratic Republican steam shaving shop
A cryptic satire possibly dealing with some facet of the 1844 presidential campaign. The print features two unsuccessful aspirants for the Democratic presidential nomination: Martin Van Buren and Richard M. Joh... More
The mountain in labor - Public domain book illustration, Library of Co...
The artist employs Aesop's fable about the mountain which was said to be in labor, its dreadful groans attracting expectant crowds only to be disappointed when it issued forth a small mouse. Here the mountain i... More
Settin' on a rail - Public domain book illustration, Library of Congre...
A satire, probably issued during August or September 1837, on the tug-of-war for influence on the President between Jacksonian Democrats and the "soft money" or conservative elements of the party. Here the arti... More
Major Ringgold: mortally wounded at the Battle of Palo Alto, May 8th 1...
Print shows Major Samuel Ringgold with wounds to his legs, supported by two fellow officers, his horse on the ground next to him, also suffering from wounds, another officer stands next to the horse and one lie... More
Loco Foco expresses. Book illustration from Library of Congress
A commentary on the Whigs' disappointment of "Loco Foco" Democratic expectations in the New York municipal elections of spring 1838. Successful Whig mayoral candidate Aaron Clark holds two horses by their tails... More
One of the young bo-hoys in exstacies before the coons of 1844
A satire, puzzling in its precise meaning, on the ascendance of the radical wing of the Whig party in New York's gubernatorial election of 1846. Influential radical journalist Horace Greeley dances a jig to th... More
Old Jack in the last agony and the fox caught in a rat trap
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1837, by H.R. Robinson, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, of the Southern District of New York. Printed & published by H.R. Robi... More
The times - Engraving, Public domain image
A commentary on the depressed state of the American economy, particularly in New York, during the financial panic of 1837. Again, the blame is laid on the treasury policies of Andrew Jackson, whose hat, spectac... More
How to make the mare/Mayor go - Public domain book illustration, Libra...
Another satire on the 1838 New York mayoral contest, this time suggesting collusion between Whig candidate and incumbent mayor Aaron Clark and conservative Democrat Richard Riker. Here Clark sits on his stalled... More
This is the house that Jack built
The Van Buren administration's record, particularly with regard to the handling of public finances, is condemned as corrupt and a perpetuation of unpopular Jacksonian policies. The artist echoes perennial Whig ... More
A big blue bottle fly in the web
Another swipe at Whig candidate Winfield Scott's manipulation by antislavery Whigs Seward and Greeley. Here, Scott is a fly caught in a large web, spun by spiders Greeley (left) and Seward (right). Scott excl... More