Thomas Nast

Artist's Biography

"Where There is an Evil" (Caesarism Scare) "There is a Remedy" - (Ridicule).

Wood engraving, 1873.
Image size 8 7/8 x 13 7/8" (22.7 x 35.3 cm).
Good condition, save for scattered foxing. LOCATION: New York City

Inventory Number: 91642
Price: $50.00
Publisher : Published by Harper's Weekly. November 8, 1873. President Ulysses S. Grant had begun his second term earlier in 1873 and was already considering a third, something that was entirely legal at the time. Never had a president served more than two, however, and the idea of having someone serve a third sparked outraged. One of the more outspoken individuals was James Bennett Jr., editor of the New York Herald. He is depicted in his cartoon as the Roman soldier. His illustration is best summed up by the secondary title line. "I cry you mercy! stop! stop! I'll give in. I'll say no more about Caesarism." Thomas Nast, both artist and, clearly, a terrible minstrel, strums his harp. His tune of choice is "Caesarims Scare Crow" from the "Th. Nast's Sweet Music" portfolio. In the distance is "The Bohemian Gas Works. N.Y. Herald Notice. Wanted Immediately. Something New. Caesarism Exhausted."

Nast was a firm supporter of Grant and felt the cries of Caesarism were foolish. Caesar had been a totalitarian. A third term as president hardly made an individual such leader. Nast was not bashful about making this view known, as seen in this cartoon. He would create other illustrations featuring Bennett and his Caesar-Grant views until Grant gave up the idea of running for another term. 18th-19th Century Subjects , Caricatures and Satirical , Political

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