Political Cartoon, "Honest Abe Taking Them on the Half Shell," 1860
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Artifact Overview
This political cartoon for the 1860 presidential campaign depicts Abraham Lincoln, the fledgling Republican Party presidential candidate, handily taking on rival candidates while eating at the "Political Oyster House." He was facing three other presidential hopefuls. Northern Democrats turned to Stephen Douglas of Illinois, while southern Democrats selected John C. Breckenridge of Kentucky. In addition, John Bell of Tennessee was a third-party choice.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Print (Visual work)
Date Made
1860
Subject Date
1860
Creators
Place of Creation
Creator Notes
Published by Currier & Ives
Collection Title
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
26.93.38
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Ink
paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Printing (Process)
Color
Black (Color)
White (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 13 in
Width: 17.25 in
Inscriptions
Printed at bottom: HONEST ABE TAKING THEM ON THE HALF SHELL.
At upper left corner: POLITICAL OYSTER HOUSE./ Hardshells & Softshells/ constantly on hand/ Democrats Fried, Stewed, Roasted/ or on the Half Shell
Caption from figure of Stephen Douglas on shell labeled Soft Shell: I'm a gone sucker!!
Caption from figure of John Breckinridge on shell labeled ? Shell: Alas! that ever I should live to be swallowed by a rail splitter!
Cation from Abraham Lincoln: These fellows have been planted so long in Washington that they are as fat as Butter. I hardly know which to swallow first.
At bottom: Published by Currier & Ives
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Related Content
SetPortraits of Abraham Lincoln
- 13 Artifacts
This portrait of Abraham Lincoln was used as a campaign badge during the 1860 presidential election. It was originally housed in an oval brass frame and pinned to one's clothing. The ambrotype is based on a photograph of Lincoln taken by Mathew B. Brady on February 27, 1860. Lincoln was in New York City to give a speech at Cooper Union.