The fit-thrower (1912)

Samuel Ehrhart's "The Fit-Thrower," created in 1912, is a satirical depiction that captures a moment of political and social commentary through vibrant and expressive artwork. In the painting, a man labeled "Infant Industries" is shown dramatically sprawled on the ground, his body language suggestive of a child in the midst of a temper tantrum. His disheveled appearance and facial expression convey distress and exaggeration.Beside him stand two figures representing Columbia and Uncle Sam, iconic personifications of America. Columbia, dressed in a flowing robe with her name band, looks down with a mixture of concern and skepticism, holding a purse that suggests she might be contemplating financial aid. Uncle Sam, in his traditional stars-and-stripes attire, observes the scene with an air of detached amusement, his stance relaxed and his pocketbook significantly noticeable, implying potential financial implications.The backdrop features a serene setting near the U.S. Capitol, contrasting sharply with the foreground's dramatic interaction. This setting might imply that the event is taking place within sight of national decision-making.Ehrhart’s illustration powerfully comments on economic policies concerning protective tariffs and subsidies for domestic industries, humorously critiquing how businesses might dramatically claim inability to compete without government assistance, akin to a child's tantrum for attention and aid.