Will He Go in The Traces, from Puck Possibly 1879

James A. Wales made this chromolithograph print, "Will He Go in the Traces?", for Puck magazine. Wales used lithography, a printmaking process using a flat stone or metal plate, to create this satirical commentary. This was a commercial medium, mass-produced and widely circulated, and its inherent reproducibility mirrors the cutthroat nature of electoral politics. The artist's line is visible throughout, suggesting a handmade quality despite the mechanized process. The print depicts the 1880 presidential race, with the Democratic donkey refusing to be led by a caricature of their candidate. Wales uses the lithographic process to create a visually arresting image that speaks to the social context of the election. The layering of colors, achieved through multiple passes of the printing press, creates a sense of depth and complexity, mirroring the intricacies of the political landscape. Ultimately, this print's power lies in its ability to combine artistic skill with political commentary, blurring the lines between fine art and popular culture.