Classic William Jennings Bryan ‘octopus’ poster from his 1900 presidential campaign, printed by the Strobridge Lithography Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio, 19.5 x 29, featuring vivid and colorful artwork that boasts a large portrait of Bryan in the center flanked by American flags, the Statue of Liberty being hailed by liberated Cubans and Filipinos in the lower right, and an iconic image in the lower left of Lady Liberty wielding an ax, chopping at the octopus of “Trusts" which ensnares American industry in its tentacles. Text at the top reads, “The Issue—1900, Liberty, Justice, Humanity,” below which is a banner featuring Bryan’s name and famed campaign motto, “No Crown of Thorns, No Cross of Gold.” At the bottom are campaign promises, “Equal Rights to All” and “Special Privileges to None.” Framed to an overall size of 24 x 34. In very good to fine condition, with two tears to the right edge, one with a small area of paper loss; the poster has evidently been professionally linen-backed. A vibrant, evocative piece that is widely considered to be the ultimate example of an American political campaign poster.
