Artwork
Vanity Fair: Statesman, No. 118 "Anything to Beat Grant"
Vanity Fair: Statesman, No. 118 "Anything to Beat Grant" is a print by the Impressionist artist Thomas Nast. It dates from 1872 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Vanity Fair: Statesman, No.
About this work
Overview
Vanity Fair: Statesman, No. 118 'Anything to Beat Grant' is a 1872 print by Thomas Nast, currently in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art. The work features a solemnly portrayed individual, distinguished by a white beard and thick glasses, set against a plain background.
Subject & Meaning
The subject holds two rolled papers with contrasting labels: 'What I know' and one referencing 'Journalism' and 'Organ', implying a commentary on the selective disclosure or manipulation of information, potentially satirizing political or journalistic tactics of the era.
Technique & Style
Nast employed simple, expressive lines and bold color accents to emphasize the subject's serious expression, characteristic of Realist tendencies focusing on everyday figures and detailed, unromanticized representation.
History & Provenance
Created in 1872, the print is part of a series titled 'Vanity Fair: Statesman'. Its current location is The Cleveland Museum of Art, though the full provenance history prior to its acquisition is not detailed here.
Context
The title 'Anything to Beat Grant' suggests the work is tied to the political climate of the time, possibly referencing the 1872 presidential election involving Ulysses S. Grant, using satire to critique political strategies or media coverage.
Artist & collection
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Vanity Fair: Statesman, No. 141 "A Feminine Philosopher"
Vanity Fair: Statesman, No. 71 "One of the Lambs of the Political Fold"
Vanity Fair: "The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table"
Vanity Fair: Men of the Day, No. 39 "The Novelist who invented Sensation"
H Beard Print Collection