Caving In, or a Rebel "Deeply Humiliated" 1864 - 1865

Benjamin Henry Day Jr. created this lithograph, Caving In, or a Rebel "Deeply Humiliated," using ink on paper. Lithography, a printmaking process, relies on the chemical repulsion between oil and water. The artist draws an image on a stone or metal plate with a greasy medium, then applies ink that adheres only to the drawn areas. This allows for the creation of multiple copies, making it perfect for distributing political cartoons like this one. The stark contrast of the black ink on the white paper immediately conveys a sense of conflict, highlighting the intensity of the boxing match between Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis. The graphic nature of the print, with its bold lines and exaggerated features, serves to emphasize the political message, turning the leaders into caricatures for mass consumption. Day's choice of lithography underscores the power of print media in shaping public opinion and fueling the debates of the Civil War era. It is a reminder that even seemingly simple materials and processes can carry significant cultural and political weight.