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Artist/Maker
Thomas Nast
(American, born Germany, 1840 - 1902)
Datepublished May 22, 1886
MediumWood engraving on paper
DimensionsComposition/Sheet: 16 1/2 × 11 1/2 in. (41.9 × 29.2 cm)
Credit LineGift of the artist's son
Object number1944.1.71
Not on view
DescriptionThis cartoon features "The True-Hearted Squire," Rollin Squire, the New York City commissioner of public works at the time. He pulls aside his coat and vest to place his hand on this heart, over a money bag. Behind him at the upper left is a sign that reads "More plans for the Aqueduct" and depicts a horse and cart dumping money bags into a pocket. Others read: "Notice - in order that the city revenues (Squire & Co.) should be increased we propose increased water taxes for less water;" "A communication from commissioner Squire to the Speaker of the House: 'I have nothing but the interests of the city at hear.';" and "No water in my aqueduct stock!" It was revealed that in 1884, Squire used bribery to gain his political position in exchange for government contracts. Once this was released to the public, his lost his reputation. It then became clear that he was using a project for an aqueduct as a way to steal public money, and he actively tried to increase taxes on water to put even more money in his pocket.
Collections
Additional Details
Provenance
1943: Hamilton College, by gift of Mabel Nast Crawford and Cyril Nast;
? - 1943: Thomas Nast family (Mrs. Thomas Nast, Thomas Nast Jr., Mabel Nast Crawford, and Cyril Nast), presumably by gift or inheritance from the artist.
? - 1943: Thomas Nast family (Mrs. Thomas Nast, Thomas Nast Jr., Mabel Nast Crawford, and Cyril Nast), presumably by gift or inheritance from the artist.
Signature
Recto Lower Right: "Th: Nast" (in print)
Inscribed
"The True - Hearted Squire"
Thomas Nast
Date: published July 25, 1874
Medium: Wood engraving on newsprint
Object number: 2019.13.249
Thomas Nast
Date: published March 6, 1875
Medium: Wood engraving on newsprint
Object number: 2019.13.273
Henri Gaudier-Brzeska
Date: c. 1913
Medium: Seravazza and Sicilian marble
Object number: 2005.6.2
Thomas Nast
Date: published July 4, 1874
Medium: Wood engraving on newsprint
Object number: 2019.13.247
Thomas Nast
Date: published May 8, 1875
Medium: Wood engraving on newsprint
Object number: 2019.13.282
John Marin
Date: c. 1917 (dated 1916)
Medium: Watercolor and graphite on paper
Object number: 1962.4
Karl Blossfeldt
Date: 1929
Medium: Rotogravure
Object number: 2009.2.2
George Catlin
Date: published 1838
Medium: Lithograph with hand coloring
Object number: 1971.42
Unknown artist, Greek (Ancient)
Date: c. 350-320 BCE
Medium: Polychrome terracotta with slip and pigment
Object number: 1929.30