The rebound of the ball - Public domain book illustration
A satire on the Democrats' defeat in the fall New York state elections, here viewed as a referendum on Van Buren's independent treasury, or "Sub-treasury" system. A large ball labeled "Sub Treasury" is pushed d... More
"The government." No. 1, [Eye] take the responsibility
A satire on Andrew Jackson's "Kitchen Cabinet," the pejorative name given his informal circle of close advisors. The print appeared during the heated controversy incited by Jackson's discontinuation of federal ... More
Cutting down the hickory tree and disturbing the crow's nest
Figurative portrayal of Whig opposition to the independent treasury or subtreasury system conceived by Jackson and implemented by Van Buren and the Democrats. In a large tree is a nest labeled "Sub Treasury" i... More
The meeting at Saratoga. "Like boxers thus before the fight, their ha...
The second of two prints by "HD" portraying scenes from President Van Buren's visit to the resort at Saratoga Springs, New York, during the summer of 1839. (See also "The Cut Direct," no. 1839-3.) The satire co... More
The rats leaving a falling house
A simpler and less animated composition on the same general idea as Edward W. Clay's ".00001" (no. 1831-1). Again Jackson is seated in a collapsing chair, with the "Altar of Reform" toppling next to him, and ra... More
Loco Foco expresses, arriving at Washington
A satiric commentary on the effects of the landslide Whig victory in New York state elections in the autumn of 1838. President Van Buren (left) greets two of his defeated allies: incumbent governor William L. M... More
Martin Van Buren, president of the United States
Portrait shows Van Buren standing in a full-length view, facing right. Reproduction of 1839 painting by Henry Inman.
.00001 the value of a unit with four cyphers going before it
A satire on dissension and political intrigue within Andrew Jackson's administration, surrounding the Spring 1831 resignations of several members of his Cabinet. In the center Jackson sits in a collapsing chair... More
The almighty lever. Book illustration from Library of Congress
E. W. Clay's apocalyptic allegory has public opinion as a giant lever, tilting decisively in favor of the Whigs late in the presidential campaign of 1840. In a symbolic landscape masses of people climb onto the... More
Footrace, Pennsylvania Avenue. Stakes $25,000, Political Cartoon
The race for a $25,000 prize (the president's salary) is a metaphor for the 1844 campaign. The favored contender here is Henry Clay. The other runners are James K. Polk and John Tyler, while commentaries are of... More
Smoking him out - Political cartoon, public domain image
A humorous commentary on Barnburner Democrat Martin Van Buren's opposition to regular Democratic party nominee Lewis Cass. Van Buren and his son John were active in the Free Soil effort to prevent the extensio... More
Shooting the Christmas turkey - Political cartoon, public domain image
While Democratic and Whig candidates debate strategies to win the presidency, or "shoot the Christmas turkey," Free Soil candidate Martin Van Buren makes off with the bird. At left Democrat Lewis Cass (facing f... More
Barn-burners in a fix - Political cartoon, public domain image
A satire on the Barnburners, a radical faction of New York State Democrats, led by John Van Buren, whose commitment to social and monetary reforms was likened to a farmer's burning his barn to rid it of rats. H... More
M. Van Buren, President of the United States
Print shows Martin Van Buren, half-length portrait, facing front; includes facsimile signature. 94 U.S. Copyright Office. Signed on stone. Printed at bottom: Published in the City of Washington. Publication da... More
Caucus curs in full yell, or a war whoop, to saddle on the people, a p...
A critical commentary on the press's treatment of Andrew Jackson, and on the practice of nominating candidates by caucus during the presidential race of 1824. The cartoon pointedly attacks Republican nominee Wi... More
The Democratic platform, US Democratic party
Again the 1856 Democrats are characterized as friendly to proslavery interests. Old guard Democrats Martin Van Buren and Thomas Hart Benton are also resurrected for abuse here. Van Buren appears as a fox, lurki... More
Caucus on the Surplus Bill - Public domain book illustration, Library ...
A derisive view of Andrew Jackson's reluctant, politically-minded endorsement of the Distribution Act, or "Surplus Bill," a measure authorizing distribution of surplus federal funds among the states. Facing the... More
Grand Virginia reel and scamperdown at the Whitehouse Washington
Another satire on Andrew Jackson's conflict with French king Louis Philippe over French reparations due the United States under the Treaty of 1831. The artist blames vice-president Van Buren for escalation of a... More
A hard road to hoe! Or, the White House Turnpike, macadamized by the ...
A crude satire on the obstacles facing Van Buren's reelection effort in 1840. Weighed down by a large bundle labeled "Sub Treasury," Van Buren follows the lead of Andrew Jackson toward the White House. His wa... More
The presidents of the United States designed by C.H.H. Billings ; engr...
Print shows the presidents of the United States with George Washington (G. Stuart del.) at center, John Adams (G. Stuart del.) at top, Thomas Jefferson (G. Stuart del.) on the top left, James Madison (G. Stuart... More
Cleansing the Augean stable - Public domain book scan / drawing
A pro-Whig satire, envisioning the cleansing of the "Augean Stable" of government corruption by presidential candidate Henry Clay and other Whigs. The title derives from one of the twelve mythical labors of Her... More
Proceedings of the opponents of the present administration, at public ...
Supporting the presidential candidacy of William Henry Harrison against Martin Van Buren. Caption title. Sabin 101950 Also available in digital form.