THE FIRST DEMOCRATIC DONKEY ILLUSTRATION

first-dem-donkey-full-front.jpgHarper’s Weekly, New York
January 15, 1870

Noted political artist, Thomas Nast, presents his political cartoon, “A LIVE JACKASS KICKING A DEAD LION,” the first appearance of what would be come the symbol of the Democratic Party. The jackass, or donkey, portrayed the Copperhead Press (Democratic sentiment in 1870) while the lion impersonated Edwin M. Stanton, who had died December 24th, but whose memory was being assailed even as he lay in his coffin.

This historic issue also contains a lovely illustration of the “Monarch,” Britain’s newest and largest sailing ship that brought philanthropist George Peabody home to America following his death in 1869. Peabody founded The Peabody Institute, and was one of only two men (Dwight D. Eisenhower was the other) who was honored with the “Freedom of the City of London.”

The Democratic Donkey illustration appears on the final page of this complete, sixteen-page issue of Harper’s. Excellent condition, and simply a must for any serious collection of political documents and memorabilia. (Also see our Harper’s Weekly featuring the first Republican Elephant sketch in 1874)

$950

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Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, Late 19th Century