Collection: Osher Collection
Name: Uncle Sam with his hands full
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Date/Date Range: 1880
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Dimensions: 22 x 30 cm on sheet 25 x 34 cm
Brief Description: From Puck magazine a cartoon of Uncle Sam balancing two worlds: an old world showing famines in India, Russia, Germany, Ireland and China while a new world is smiling and restored. "The fleet that England sent us" represents the support of the British elite who wanted to trade with the Confederate states for cotton. Pictured is the CSS Alabama, a warship secretly built for the Confederates in Birkenhead near Liverpool, United Kingdom. In contrast "the fleet we sent England" depicts the "charity fleet" with ships' named "Provisions", "Grain" and "Flour". Uncle Sam is sitting behind sacks of wheat and grain and a barrel of flour. Included are two female figures on either side of Uncle Sam: one representing famine and the other restored in the new world. This was possibly a reminder of Britain's initial support for the Confederacy during the American Civil War and the United States assisting countries in need, indirectly critical of Britain's response to the famines. Puck magazine was the first humor magazine in the United States depicting cartoons, political satire and caricatures. Founded in 1871 by Joseph Keppler in St. Louis it was first published in German then in 1877 it started in English. It ceased publication in 1918. Verso: Advertisements.
Accession Number: OML-1880-79
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