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Fine art print political campaign lithograph from the 1880 U.S. Presidential election, titled "Farmer Garfield: Cutting a Swath to the White House". The print, published by Currier & Ives, portrays Republican candidate James A. Garfield as an honest, hardworking farmer destined for the presidency.
Key Details
Symbolism: Garfield is depicted using a scythe with "Honesty, Ability and Patriotism" inscribed on the blade to cut down a field of weeds and snakes that represent political vices.
Political Opponents: The snakes and weeds bear labels such as "Falsehood," "Calumny," "Hatred," "Malice," and "Fraud," symbolizing the political attacks and corruption he faced.
Background: To the left, a field of wheat represents his rural, hardworking background (he worked on a farm and a canal towpath in his youth), while the White House is visible in the background on the right, his ultimate destination.
Context: The cartoon served as pro-Garfield propaganda during his tight race against Democratic opponent Winfield Scott Hancock, which Garfield won by a narrow popular vote margin. |
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