Brief History of Art in U.S. Elections: American Politics from Franklin to Trump
Barack Obama “Hope” poster by Shepard Fairey
by Jeremy Brown (article originally posted By World Art News on July 7, 2024)
From the ornate lithographs of the 19th century to the viral memes of today, art has been an indispensable weapon in the battle for political power in the United States. Campaign posters, political cartoons, and modern digital graphics have all played crucial roles in swaying public opinion and crafting candidates’ images. This article explores how art has been used to influence American politics, examining its evolution from early satire to contemporary digital media, and critiquing the effectiveness of iconic political art across history.
The power of art in American politics began with the sharp pen of Benjamin Franklin. In 1754, Franklin’s “Join, or Die” cartoon wasn’t just a call for unity among the American colonies—it was a masterstroke of political propaganda that used a simple, yet striking visual to convey a complex message. The fragmented snake, a symbol of disunity, was a radical departure from the traditional written appeals of the time, showcasing art’s potential to drive political narratives.
Fast forward to the 19th century, and Thomas Nast, the father of American political cartoons, wielded his brush like a sword against the corrupt political machine of Tammany Hall. Nast’s caricatures of Boss Tweed are legendary for their biting humor and stark visuals, portraying Tweed as a bloated, greedy figure in league with a corrupt system.
His work was so impactful that it led directly to the fall of Tweed and the Tammany Hall political machine. This era demonstrated that political art could not only influence but also dismantle entrenched power structures.