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Young America Rising at the Ballot-Box and Strangling the Serpents: Disunion and Secession

American 19th Century , 1860

Young America Rising at the Ballot-Box and Strangling the Serpents: Disunion and Secession, by American 19th Century, ink, 1860
Young America Rising at the Ballot-Box and Strangling the Serpents: Disunion and Secession, by American 19th Century, ink, 1860

Young America Rising at the Ballot-Box and Strangling the Serpents: Disunion and Secession is an ink print by the Impressionist artist American 19th Century. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This print, titled 'Young America Rising at the Ballot-Box and Strangling the Serpents: Disunion and Secession,' is a wood engraving on newsprint. It depicts a powerful young man overpowering two snakes, symbolizing the triumph of democratic processes over secessionist threats.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows a muscular youth standing over entwined snakes labeled 'Disunion' and 'Secession,' which he is subduing with a ballot box and his raised arm. The surrounding text, including 'Young America Rising' and 'Virtuous Indignation,' reinforces the image's themes of patriotism and moral outrage.

Technique & Style

The print is characterized by strong lines and shading, achieved through the wood engraving technique, which involves carving detailed designs into wood blocks. The resulting image is a bold, graphic representation of a political message.

Artist & collection

Portrait of American 19th Century

Artist

American 19th Century

This artist painted everyday American life in the 1800s. Look at *Farmhouse in Mahantango Valley*—a quiet, sunlit scene of rural Pennsylvania. *Boy and Girl* shows two children standing close, their faces turned toward…

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of National Gallery of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.