Print promoting James K. Polk for president and George M. Dallas for vice president, 1844. Hand-tinted lithograph by N. Currier, New York. Housed in period hardwood frame, refitted with conservation glass and archival matting and backing. Titled, GRAND, NATIONAL, DEMOCRATIC BANNER. PRESS ONWARD. Against ranks of flags surmounted by eagle holding a corner of one flag in its beak, a portrait of Polk and the legend, POLK THE YOUNG HICKORY, enclosed by olive wreath, left; a portrait of Dallas and the legend, DALLAS AND VICTORY, enclosed by olive wreath, right; semicircle of 14 stars and radiating lines, above; decorative leaves and scrollwork, the legend, THE PEOPLE'S CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT, on streamers, below. The whole made to resemble a parade banner. Size refers to overall dimensions.
Starting with the election of 1844, the New York printmaker Nathaniel Currier began issuing a series of folksy and colorful National Banners, considered the prototype of the modern political poster. Displayed in the homes and businesses of devoted partisans, for many voters they were the only likenesses of presidential candidates available in the age of print media. Now prized by collectors, these prints remain a visual way of representing early campaigns for which little otherwise survives. The often represent the only graphic items for 19th century tickets available for under many thousands of dollars.
Housed in its original wooden frame as issued by Currier, the present example has abundant visual appeal. The print is clean and bright with vivid colors, and the frame has a nicely patinated finish.
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