The Old Print Shop

One and Inseparable. Capital Makes Labor, and Labor Makes Capital.

  • ARTIST: Thomas Nast

  • PUBLISHER: Published by Harper's Weekly. November 23, 1878.

  • MEDIUM: Wood engraving,

    DATE: 1878.

  • EDITION SIZE: Image size 13 5/16 x 9" (33.9 x 22.9 cm).

  • DESCRIPTION: A blacksmith holds the hammer of "Labor," which he uses to forge the piece "Capital." This is a direct reference to the idea that honest work earns honest money. On the wall is a poster reading "Rally! All men who have property little or much and that do not care to give or share with their neighbors, who have less." In the background is a skeleton wearing a hat labeled "Dead Head." He stands under the archway of "'Workshop' Idleness. Old Harry" and holds a newspaper reading "Powder Magazine." This figure likely refers to the disenfranchised citizens who refuse to work and expect other, hard working citizens, to take care of them.

  • ADDITIONAL INFO:

  • CONDITION: Good condition, save a few repaired tearing in the outer upper margin.

  • REFERENCE: