Tammany’s anti-trust game (1900)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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Samuel Ehrhart's vivid 1900 caricature titled "Tammany’s Anti-Trust Game," offers a satirical portrayal of political challenges of the era. The artwork captures a burly man, vividly attired in a striped shirt and dark trousers, as he hurriedly attempts to flee from the gathering crowd in the background. With a look of alarm, he clutches a massive container labeled "N.Y. City Ice Trust," symbolically representing the controversies surrounding monopolistic trust systems within New York and, by extension, the broader United States during this period.The man, depicted with exaggerated features typical of political cartoons, is shown just as he is about to trip over a cobblestone, adding a comedic element to the otherwise serious critique of political and economic practices. The presence of bystanders, including women and children, their expressions ranging from amused to concerned, suggests the widespread impact of such monopolistic practices on everyday citizens.Ehrhart's piece serves as a visual commentary on the ironies of anti-trust sentiments within the political sphere, specifically targeting Tammany Hall, the powerful New York City political organization known for its deep entrenchment in the city's affairs.
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American cartoonist and illustrator born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Ehrhart received his education in the New York City school system. Subsequently, he studied art in Munich. His work appeared in Harper's Monthly (1878-79), Puck (1880, and 1888-1913), and Judge (1887). He died in Brooklyn, New York on October 26, 1937.