Description:

Satirizing Andrew Jackson & the "Common Man," Handsome 19th C. Etching

A 19th-century color etching after Edward Williams Clay (1799-1857), published by R.H. Hobson of Philadelphia, ca. 1829, entitled "The Nations [sic] Bulwark. A well disciplined [sic] Militia, Sketches of Character No. 1." The artist's name, "Clay," is signed in stone at the lower left, and publishing and copyright information are printed at the bottom. Some gentle creases affect the upper right margin of the print, with a few isolated minor paper touch-ups and repairs. A long l-shaped closed tear has been meticulously restored at left, hardly visible and mentioned just for accuracy. Else near fine and in vibrant color. Custom matted and framed behind glass. Not examined out of the frame. The sight size of the etching is 15" x 9.25" while the overall frame size is 22.25" x 15.75" x 1.5."

7th U.S. President Andrew (1767-1845) was partly elected on a platform celebrating the "Common Man." Yet the artist severely questions this democratic ideal by showing the pernicious after-effects of relaxing standards, particularly in a vitally important military context. "The Nations Bulwark. A well-disciplined Militia" is in fact just the opposite.

The etching depicts a group of Philadelphia militiamen assembled for muster; according to some sources, Clay featured portraits of real Philadelphian citizens among this group, including one C.G. Childs. The ragtag and mismatched militiamen are shown in a state of total unpreparedness. Completely disinterested, they smoke, converse, play musical instruments, and scratch themselves rather than stand at attention. Disused muskets sprout tassels of corn silk, and a liquor bottle peeps out of the pocket of the ostentatiously dressed commander. In the background, pennants wave from trees-of-liberty flagpoles, touting "Hurrah for Old Hickory" and "Jackson For Ever."

Andrew Jackson served as president between 1829-1837.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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