Republican presidential ticket 1864

This print was made by Currier and Ives, a prominent American printmaking firm, likely around 1864. It depicts Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson, the Republican presidential ticket. The image creates meaning through a variety of visual codes and cultural references typical of mid-19th century America. The American flag, the eagle, and the neoclassical building evoke patriotism and national pride. The inclusion of agricultural imagery speaks to the agrarian ideals of the time. But it also represents the economic divide between the industrial North and the agricultural South, a central issue in the Civil War. The print implicitly critiques the institution of slavery by promoting a vision of "Liberty, Union, and Victory" under a Republican banner. Understanding this artwork requires research into the complex social, political, and economic conditions of Civil War-era America. We need to consider the role of print media in shaping public opinion, the debates surrounding slavery and states' rights, and the rise of the Republican Party. Only through such historical contextualization can we fully appreciate the significance of this image.