Fotomontage van 26 Amerikaanse politici before 1871

Edric L. Eaton made this photobook montage of 26 American politicians at an unknown date in the 19th century. The cultural significance of such a collection lies in understanding the political landscape of the time. Who were these figures, and what did they represent? The arrangement of portraits, with a central, more prominent figure, suggests a hierarchy, hinting at the power dynamics within American politics. This image speaks to the politics of imagery, inviting us to consider how visual representations shape perceptions of power and authority. As historians, we can use resources such as period newspapers, political pamphlets, and biographical archives to identify these individuals and uncover their roles in shaping American society. Through this research, we can illuminate the social conditions that shaped artistic production, gaining insights into the public role of art and its engagement with the political sphere.