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Honest Abe Taking Them on the Half Shell

Creator:
Currier & Ives
Location:
New York, New York
Origin Date:
1860
Materials:
paper, print
Measurements:
overall: 18 1/2 in x 23 in
Item ID:
71.2009.081.0202
Holding Institution:
Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum
Available for Viewing:
No
Category:
Fine Art

Description

This cartoon is a pro-Lincoln satire. The 1860 Republican candidate ponders the miniature figures of northern and southern Democratic nominees Stephen A. Douglas (left) and John C. Breckinridge (right) which he holds before him on two oyster shells. Lincoln: "These fellows have been planted so long in Washington, that they are as fat as butter, I hardly know which to swallow first." "Planted in Washington" is a cynical reference to the years of congressional experience of Lincoln's two opponents. A sign on the wall behind Lincoln reads: "Political Oyster House, hardshells & softshells constantly on hand. Democrats fried, stewed, roasted or on the half shell." Douglas, a moderate Democrat, reclines on a "soft shell," despairing, "I'm a gone sucker!!" Breckinridge, adamantly proslavery, is on a "hard shell." He exclaims, "Alas! That ever I should live to be swallowed by a rail splitter!" Part of the Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum.