And There He Will Stick!, from Puck Possibly 1887

Editor: This lithograph, "And There He Will Stick!," possibly from 1887, by Louis Dalrymple, depicts a man attempting to climb ladders up a cliff. It's so visually chaotic, but something about it makes me laugh. What do you see in this piece beyond the surface-level caricature? Curator: This piece is more than just a humorous image; it's a sharp commentary on late 19th-century American politics. Think about the context: Reconstruction had ended, industrialization was booming, and there was a scramble for power. Who do you think the man climbing represents, and what does the precarious ladder suggest? Editor: Based on the caption, the man must be John Sherman, trying to reach the Presidency, represented by the building at the cliff’s peak. So, the ladders are… his attempts to rise in power? The precariousness is interesting though, because they look like they might crumble at any moment! Curator: Precisely! Dalrymple uses the imagery of the unstable ladders to symbolize the fragility and corruption inherent in political ambition. Who benefits, and who is left behind in this climb? Note how certain figures are placed higher than others; it speaks volumes about the social and political hierarchy of the time. Editor: It's unsettling to think about power dynamics remaining so constant, even across different historical moments. Is the dachshund supposed to be symbolic, too? Curator: Ah, the dachshund! Animals in political cartoons often represent specific constituencies or nations. Consider who would be considered lowly and in the dirt during this era; it is deeply entrenched in racial and class hierarchies. These stereotypes further degrade entire peoples through animal association. Editor: So, it's more than just a funny drawing, it's actually quite critical. I didn't realize there were so many layers to unpack here. Curator: Exactly. Cartoons such as these acted as vehicles to challenge the status quo and invite viewers to critically engage with society. Political cartoons offered a powerful lens through which the marginalized found a voice and sought pathways for transformative change.