The Vision

Description (Brief):

This 1834 print is a commentary on the state of American democracy following President Andrew Jackson’s decision to remove the deposits from the Second National Bank of the United States in October of 1833. On the right, Jackson, playing the fiddle, is depicted wearing a crown and an ermine trimmed robe. He is speaking to Major Jack Downing, a fictional character created by journalist Seba Smith used to symbolize the common man. Downing is encouraging Jackson to “put a little more Veto Rosin on [his] bow,” so that he can continue to continue to play his “intarpitation [sic] of the Constitution.” Jackson replies, “d—m the Constitution… it is under my feet.” Behind Jackson, Vice President Martin Van Buren peeks out from behind a “globe” symbolizing the pro-Jackson Democratic newspaper, the “Globe.” Also behind Jackson, is a mob of supporters labeled, “Kitchen Scullions & Patriots.” They are crudely drawn, and meant to symbolize the common man, whose interests Jackson worked most closely to protect. To the left of the protestors, the U.S. Capitol Building burns, symbolizing the feeling of opponents that Jackson let Democracy go up in flames. In the foreground of the print, John Bull, the personification of England, stands by a grave stone reading, “Sacred to the Memory of Dame Freedom. Born July 4th 1776 and departed this life Oct. 1, 1835.” Bull smugly states that Brother Jonathan (the personification of the United States) has to stop “bragging all over the world about his freedom,” as he watches Jackson manipulate the Constitution to suit his needs. Beneath the print there is a mock news article detailing the murder of “Dame Freedom” by “Andrew Veto” on the floor of the “Senate Chamber.”

Description (Brief)

The lithographer of this print is Ezra Bisbee (1820-1856). Bisbee was a political cartoonist and print maker based in New York City and Brooklyn as well as on the island of Antigua.