Congressional Pugilists - Rare Book Insider
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Congressional Pugilists

[Philadelphia] c.1860, [Philadelphia]: 1860
  • $450
15.9x22.2 cm. Uncolored separately issued print in good condition only, with the top right corner missing, affecting only the blank margin. Several short mended tears at edges. This is almost certainly the restrike by John McAllister, Jr. around 1860 as the the paper is not consistent with that used around 1798 when the first states of this print were issued. The imprint also appears to be weaker than would be seen on an early strike. This famous cartoon depicts a physical brawl on the floor of the House of Representatives in 1798, between Federalist Roger Griswold and Jeffersonian Republican Matthew Lyon. The fight was instigated by an insulting statement that Griswold made to Lyon. The print depicts Griswold armed with a cane, kicking Lyon, who is tugging at Griswold's arm while attacking him with fireplace tongs. Over a dozen onlookers are shown, including Speaker Jonathan Dayton, Clerk Jonathan W. Condy, and Chaplain Ashbel Green (each identified in the plate). Captioned lower right "Congress Hall / in Philada. Feb. 15, 1798 / S.E. Cor. 6th & Chesnut St."
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