The Old Print Shop

Honi Soit Qui Mal y Pense, or, Bad-luck to them that think Harm of these Things. [Thomas McKean]

  • ARTIST: James Akin

  • MEDIUM: Etching with hand color,

    DATE: c. 1805.

  • EDITION SIZE: Paper size 13 1/2 x 10 3/4" (343 x 272 mm).

  • DESCRIPTION: Text continues: "Your Name has appeared in a Public Paper as Head of a Party in Favour of McKean. We hate all larning and larned Men."<br><br> Cartoon mocking incumbent Pennsylvania Governor Thomas McKean during the gubernatorial election of 1805. Included in the heraldry are vignettes referencing McKean's military background as a colonel; his work as Pennsylvania Chief Justice; his Irish ancestry; his opposition to a state constitutional convention; and his support of an equal distribution of property. Vignettes depict an Orphans Court certificate; a receipt to Jesus Christ; a military camp; bags of money; a stick and whip for 'Calcutta'; a mill at the 'isle of Kew'; and the Pennsylvania Constitution". - The Library Co. of Philadelphia.<br><br> The print bears no artist or engraver. It has been attributed to David Claypool Johnson by the AAS but it is far more likely to be the work of James Akin.<br><br> James Akin (c.?1773–1846) was an American political cartoonist and engraver from South Carolina. He worked in Philadelphia and Newburyport, Massachusetts.<br><br> Thomas McKean (1734-1817) signer of the Declaration of Independence, was a President of Congress, served as President of Delaware, as well as, Chief Justice & Governor of Pennsylvania.

  • ADDITIONAL INFO:

  • CONDITION: Fair condition. Toning from light exposure many small tears, three into plate line, some smudges. Most can be matted out.

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