top of page

American Controversy in Art

By Kyle Talana

Introduction

When we think of art, we look at it as a commodity, a hobby, where only the rich or the talented can fully indulge in its fineness. Today we will look at another aspect of art: history. As much as we know art from a few years to centuries ago as beautiful, but if you take the time to learn the story behind the painting, the true meaning from the author and the painting can be understood

Introducing....

Infant Liberty Nursed by Mother Mob

History Behind the Photo

Anchor 1

The 1800's election saw one of the most controversial victories in the electoral collage's history. Two opposing canidates, A Reublican Jefferson Vs. A Federalist Burr fought for the election, but surprisingly the Rebulicans won. The issue here is that Burr, as the second persidentail canidate has now qualified for vice president, but Alexander hamelton. This was a year of controversy, arguing about who the president should have been, Hamelton or Jefferson, causing a rift between the two political sides. 

Such as with all controversy, political statements ran rampant against the electoral collage in fear of What American is becoming, or on the contrary the opposite with some supporting the dicision. Infant liberty Nursed by Mother Mob is a political statement piece connected to this event, Arguing a pro-federalist meaning.

Symbolism

The Image has much symbolism to portray certain figures or to represent events and beliefs tied to said events. They can be used to give a statement, but to understand that statement, you must know who/what refrences are made. Hover over the picture below to see the symbols true meaning. 

Hooker with Alcohol in herchest
Riot/Destruction
Riot/Destruction
Campfire From books
A child being breast fed beer
Destruction of society
Burning our history and values
Terrible, drunken influence
Imps/ Fairys
Republians messing with America
Infant Liberty (America)

Meaning/Message

1800.png
Anchor 2
historypic.jpg

The creator of the etching is a man named Will Satchwell Leney. An Immigrant artist who moved to America in the late 1700 and adopted the beliefs of the Federalist Party. After the controversial loss for his side in the election, he like many other wanted to say Their voice for the issue at hand. This image argues that America is being led down a terrible path with republicans of the time ruining history, while society will crash due to our drunken upbringings. He is using the image to say that things this this will happen due to their win. 

Anchor 3
bottom of page