Save Niagara Falls – from this (1906)

Technique: Giclée quality print
Recommended by our customers
Size
Finishing (pick one!)

More about this artwork

"Save Niagara Falls – from this" is a compelling and satirical work created by John Samuel Pughe in 1906. This artwork provides a potent critique of the commercial exploitation and industrial encroachment that threatened the natural beauty of Niagara Falls in the early 20th century.This cartoon-like illustration portrays Niagara Falls transformed into a chaotic amusement park, where the majestic waterfalls are overshadowed by rampant commercialism. Buildings, advertisement boards, and miscellaneous attractions clutter the landscape, illustrating a nightmarish vision of what could happen if nature is sacrificed for profit.At the center of the image, the falls themselves are barely visible amidst the clutter of industrial and entertainment facilities. A giant pipeline appears to draw water directly from the falls, symbolizing the exploitation of natural resources. Various signs with slogans such as "See America First – Its Going Fast" humorously, yet poignantly, comment on the rapid consumption of America’s natural wonders.The surrounding attractions include a "Suicide Tank," a "Fish Pond" directly beneath the water drop, and various shows and performances, trivializing the natural spectacle of the falls into mere background scenery for human entertainment. This illustrates the extent of commercial takeover Pughe envisioned, where the essence and spirit of the falls are lost to kitschy attractions.Through his illustration, Pughe urges viewers to consider the implications of unchecked industrial growth and commercialization on natural landmarks.

Delivery

We create reproductions on demand, with a production time of 5 to 7 business days.

Our courier service ensures delivery within an additional two business days.

If you need a faster turnaround, please contact us. We can often expedite the process to meet your needs.

You can also pick up your paintings at our galleries in Kaunas or Vilnius.

Returns

Yes, reproductions can be returned.

If you have any concerns more than 30 days after purchase, please contact us. We will either provide a refund or offer a replacement!

Please note that we accept a maximum of two returns per customer. Since reproductions are made to order, we encourage you to choose responsibly.

Shipping expenses are non-refundable.

John Samuel Pughe, was a Welsh-born American political cartoonist, best known for his illustrations for Puck magazine.

John Samuel Pughe was born in Dolgelley, Merionethshire, Wales, and brought to America by his parents when he was two years old. He studied art at Cooper Union.

J. S. Pughe illustrated news stories for the New York Recorder, Brooklyn Life, and the Brooklyn edition of the World as a young man. He began working at Puck magazine in 1894. He was a regular contributor there until his last cartoon for them, in December 1908.

Pughe died in 1909, age 38, at Lakehurst, New Jersey, where he had been spending several months to improve his health.