The catspaw
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
The catspaw
The catspaw. Illustration shows a cat wearing a hat labeled American Labor reaching for a toy labeled Tariff Benefits that is very close to the fire labeled Politics in a fireplace; sitting to the right of the fireplace, in the background, is a large ape wearing a crown shaped like a money bag labeled Protected Monopoly, next to it are many bags of money. Date 1912 September 18. The catspaw. Illustration shows a cat wearing a hat labeled American Labor reaching for a toy labeled Tariff Benefits that is very close to the fire labeled Politics in a fireplace; sitting to the right of the fireplace, in the background, is a large ape wearing a crown shaped like a money bag labeled Protected Monopoly, next to it are many bags of money. Date 1912 September 18
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Media ID 7346068
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10607445
EDITORS COMMENTS
This intriguing illustration, titled "The Catspaw," was published in Puck magazine on September 18, 1912. The cartoon, created by an unknown artist, offers a satirical commentary on the complex relationship between labor, politics, tariffs, and monopolies during this period. At the forefront of the image, a cat wearing a hat labeled "American Labor" reaches out towards a toy labeled "Tariff Benefits," which is situated very close to the fire labeled "Politics." The cat's intent expression suggests that it believes the tariff benefits will bring it some gain. The fireplace, symbolizing the political arena, is a common metaphor used during this time to represent the heated debates and controversies surrounding political issues. In the background, a large ape wearing a crown shaped like a money bag labeled "Protected Monopoly" sits to the right of the fireplace. The ape's menacing presence and the numerous bags of money at its feet suggest that it is profiting greatly from the political climate. The monopoly's influence on the political sphere is evident, as it appears to control the fire, or the political power, through its position and wealth. The cartoon's title, "The Catspaw," refers to a tool used by puppeteers to manipulate their puppets from behind the scenes. In this context, the image suggests that labor, represented by the cat, is being manipulated by the monopoly, symbolized by the ape, through the political process. The tariff benefits, meant to help labor, are actually being used as a tool to further the monopoly's interests. This insightful and thought-provoking illustration offers a glimpse into the complex power dynamics at play during the early 20th century.
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