The Old Print Shop

Advanced Age. The,

  • ARTIST: Thomas Nast

  • PUBLISHER: Published by Harper's Weekly. May 19, 1877.

  • MEDIUM: Engraving,

    DATE: 1877.

  • EDITION SIZE: Image size 10 1/2 x 8 15/16" (26.6 x 22.8 cm).

  • DESCRIPTION: Addition text reads: 'Mercury. "What under the sun are you doing!"' <br>'Mars. "Mortals will make such big guns, and this is the consequence."' <br><br> The cartoon is comment on the never ending wars of humanity, and their need to build bigger, more dangerous weaponry for each one. Mars (Ares in Greek mythology) is rolling the Earth off Atlas's back and into a cannon. The moon weeps in dismay as it watches, helpless to stop him. Mercury (Hermes) questions why as he sits upon a crate labeled 'U.S.' Above them are the zodiacs Aries (possibly represents America since The Great Sioux War had ended shortly before this publication), Torus (England's John Bull) and Gemini (the attire on the warring twins references the Russo-Turkish War).

  • ADDITIONAL INFO:

  • CONDITION: Good condition.

  • REFERENCE: