The Smiths Give a Great Deal of Trouble

Art Historical Context

**The Smiths Give a Great of Trouble** is a sharp political cartoon by Thomas Nast, the legendary 19th-century American caricaturist, published on February 7, 1880. Known for his work in *Harper's Weekly*, Nast the use of exaggerated portraits and symbolism to skewer corruption and political machinations. This wood-engraved print from the Smithsonian American Art Museum his signature style: bold lines, satirical portraits with prominent beards and mustaches, and props like feathers, headdresses, newspapers, and clubs to convey menace or primitivism. The artwork targets prominent Republicans D...