Influential early American political cartoonist and illustrator (1840-1902) considered to be the 'Father of the American Cartoon.' Wonderful original political cartoon by Nast, entitled "Burst the Other Day at Washington, D.C.," accomplished in ink on an off-white 8.25 x 8.5 sheet, signed on the right side, "Th: Nast." Originally published in Harper's Weekly on May 6, 1882, the cartoon dramatizes the ejection of George Q. Cannon, the Utah delegate, from his seat in Congress because of his practice of polygamy. Lady Liberty is seen standing on the left side beside a sign, "Notice: No polygamist shall be admitted to a seat in this House, U.S." A bursting artillery cannon, marked "The Mormon (G. Q.) Cannon," is portrayed at center, with two figures, symbolizing George Q. Cannon and Allen G. Campbell, toppling over. Nicely matted and framed with a preprinted sketch bearing a facsimile signature to an overall size of 16 x 13; the frame's backing bears an affixed Goodspeed's Book Shop label. In fine condition.
Although Cannon had served four terms in Congress as a representative of the Utah Territory, his 1880 reelection came under scrutiny due to his citizenship status (he was born in Britain). Utah's governor overturned the result of the lopsided election, placing Alan G. Campbell, who had won just 1,357 votes of the nearly 20,000 cast, in Congress instead. Congress ultimately nullified both results, refusing to seat Cannon due to his polygamy, and denying Campbell the seat as he had lost the election. Ultimately, John Thomas Caine was seated instead. As a published drawing dramatizing these events, drawn by the premiere purveyor of the American political cartoon, this original Thomas Nast artwork is of the utmost desirability.
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