Congressional Pugilists 1798

"Congressional Pugilists" is an anonymous satirical print depicting a fight between two members of the United States Congress, Mathew Lyon and Roger Griswold, which took place in the House Chamber in Philadelphia on February 15, 1798. The print exaggerates the event, portraying the fight in a chaotic and humorous fashion with the use of canes and other objects. This print reflects the heated political climate of the late 18th century and the animosity between the Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties.