Grand Presidential Auction Sale, from Puck 1888

This print, Grand Presidential Auction Sale, was made in 1884 by C. Jay Taylor for Puck magazine, using ink and graphite on paper. The lithographic process allowed for the mass production of such images, and its widespread distribution reflected the growing influence of media in shaping public opinion. Note the candidates on offer, each standing on a box labeled with a political position, from “Prohibition Vote” to "The True Irish Vote." They’re up for sale to the highest bidder, their platforms reduced to commodities. The artist's skilled hand is evident in the intricate linework and shading, a testament to the craftsmanship involved in creating these prints. The print speaks to the commodification of politics, and it implicates the viewer in the spectacle of consumption and the pursuit of power. It reminds us that even in the realm of politics, materials, making, and context are essential to understanding an artwork's full meaning.