The Old Print Shop

British Lion Disarmed. The,

  • ARTIST: Thomas Nast

  • PUBLISHER: Published by Harper's Weekly. August 1, 1868.

  • MEDIUM: Engraving,

    DATE: 1868.

  • EDITION SIZE: Image size 8 7/8 x 13 11/16" (22.5 x 34.8 cm).

  • DESCRIPTION: Additional text below the title reads, "'The United States and England are united by too many bonds to make war possible; but for myself I am anxious to have every point in dispute amicably settled, and the two countries may then become one in policy, as they already are, I firmly believe, in sentiment and origin.' -Prince of Wales's remarks to Mr. Bierstadt, the artist." <br><br> Columbia, the embodiment of America, clips the claws of the British lion with the 'Alabama Claims.' On the left are warring American naval vessels, and on the right is a British fort. America sought payment from Britain following the American Civil War. Several Confederate war ships, including the infamous CSS Alabama, had been built and released from in their harbors during the war, and America claimed that it violated their position of neutrality. Britain eventually gave in and paid the United States $15.5 million dollars for damages. Payment wouldn't come until 1872, however, so this cartoon is likely Nast's perception that things would work in their favor.

  • ADDITIONAL INFO:

  • CONDITION: Good condition, save some minor discoloration.

  • REFERENCE: