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

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  SKU: 91642

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• ARTIST: Thomas Nast

• PUBLISHER: Published by Harper's Weekly. November 8, 1873.

• MEDIUM: Wood engraving,

  DATE: 1873.

• EDITION SIZE: Image size 8 7/8 x 13 7/8" (22.7 x 35.3 cm).

• DESCRIPTION: President Ulysses S. Grant had begun his second term in early 1873 and was already toying with the idea of a third—something that was entirely legal at the time. No president had ever served more than two terms, though, and the possibility sparked outrage. One of the loudest critics was James Gordon Bennett Jr., editor of the New York Herald, who accused Grant of harboring imperial ambitions. <br><br> In this cartoon, Thomas Nast depicts Bennett as a Roman soldier in retreat, dramatically throwing up his hands. The caption says it all: “I cry you mercy! Stop! Stop! I’ll give in. I’ll say no more about Caesarism.” Meanwhile, Nast—seen here as a minstrel, awkwardly strumming a harp—plays a song from his satirical “Th. Nast’s Sweet Music” portfolio, titled Caesarism Scare Crow. Off in the distance, the New York Herald building is labeled “The Bohemian Gas Works,” with a sign reading, “Wanted Immediately: Something New. Caesarism Exhausted.” <br><br> Nast, a staunch supporter of Grant, thought the fears of Caesarism were overblown. Caesar was a dictator; a third presidential term didn’t automatically signal tyranny. Nast wasn’t shy about making that point. He would go on to produce more cartoons mocking Bennett and his comparisons until Grant ultimately discontinued the idea of running again.

• ADDITIONAL INFO: This piece is in a 12 x 17 inch archival mylar for handling.

• CONDITION: Good condition, save for scattered foxing.

• REFERENCE:

• CATEGORIES: 18th-19th Century Subjects , Caricatures and Satirical , Thomas Nast