THE FIRST REPUBLICAN ELEPHANT SKETCH

first-rep-elephant-full-front.jpgTHE FAMOUS SYMBOL OF THE G.O.P. IS CREATED BY ILLUSTRATOR, THOMAS NAST

Harper’s Weekly, New York
November 7, 1874

We present the very first illustration of Thomas Nast’s legendary creation – The Republican Elephant. The historic sketch, is entitled: “The Third Term Panic,” with the elephant labeled, “The Republican Vote.” The Democratic Party is portrayed by its donkey (1870) symbol dressed in the costume of a lion. The famous sketch shows the collected animals of the forest representing various newspapers, states and issues, being frightened by the donkey crying, “Caesarism.” Democrat Samuel Tilden was elected Governor of New York two weeks later. Another important Nast political sketch appears on the front page of the issue, portraying Tilden as a rat!!

But, this special publication has even more–a full page illustration drawn by Winslow Homer titled, “CAMPING OUT IN THE ADIRONDACK MOUNTAINS.” Homer prints in Harper’s Weekly issues have been carefully removed and framed in their own right–they are highly sought-after pieces of artwork.

18 pages, complete, and in excellent condition. The Republican Elephant print can be removed and framed if desired without hurting the publication or print. The perfect gift for a G.O.P. Congressman or Republican official, and a key element of any serious collection of political memorabilia. See also our 1870 issue of Harper’s featuring the first use of the Democratic Donkey.

$1,250

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