A Looking Glass for
1787
Possibly Amos Doolittle
The Looking Glass for 1787.
A House Divided Against Itself
Cannot Stand,
Mat. Chap. 13th ver 26
Engraving and rocker work,
with watercolor on laid paper
Prints & Photographs
Division (3.8)
|
The process of state ratification of the United
States Constitution was a divisive one. This satirical, eighteenth-century
engraving touches on some of the major issues in the Connecticut
politics on the eve of ratification. The two rival factions shown
are the "Federals," supporters of the constitution who represented
the trading interests and were for tariffs on imports, and the
"Antifederal," those committed to agrarian interests and more
receptive to paper money issues. The two groups were also divided
on the issue of commutation of military pensions. The artist,
possibly Amos Doolittle, clearly sides with the Federalist cause.
Connecticut is symbolized by a wagon sinking into the mud. Its
driver warns, "Gentlemen this Machines is deep in the mire and
you are divided as to its releaf -- ."
|