JF Ptak Science Books
"A Warning Light", April 2, 1881, appearing in Harper's Weekly, double-page image, 22x16". There are a few short tears extending into the image very slightly, otherwise a GOOD copy of this dramatic representation of the coming possible tragedy of the New York City harbor. $75
Thomas Nast (1840-1902) was a very busy and very gifted social observer, working at Harper's Weekly for decades, seemingly contributing about one large and one small image per week for more than a thousand weeks. He created the iconic images that we know today: the Tammany Tiger, the popular image of Santa Claus, the Republican Elephant, and (though not entirely) the Democratic Donkey, and much else. When Boss Tweed famously declared that he didn't care what newspapers wrote about him and his criminal triumphs because his constituency couldn't read, Nast took him to task by portraying him in a visual way in which reading was not necessary, and which lead to Tweed's downfall. He had some weak spots (the Pope was a favorite target, as were the Irish and the Chinese), but he was a champion of equalities, depicting brutal treatment of African Americans, ranting against conglomerates, campaigning for public education, ripping nasty politicians, goring favoritism, spotlighting thew living and working conditions of the working poor, and the like. The man had a huge following, and helped guide social reforms and popular opinion.
I have a collection of many hundreds of these images, and I must say that I do not recall seeing any work dedicated to the environment in general--save for this very striking image, depicting Lady Liberty as Lady Death, presiding over a cesspoolish NYC harbor. It appeared as a double page spread in the April 2, 1881 issue of Harper's Weekly, and it no doubt left an indelible impression on its viewers.
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