The True Issue or "Thats Whats the Matter"

Art Historical Context

Published by the renowned New York firm Currier & Ives in1864, *The True Issue or "That's What's the Matter"* is a vibrant lithograph that captures the heated political satire of the American Civil War final year. Measuring about 9½ by 14 inches, this hand-colored print features prominent figures including President Abraham Lincoln, Union General George B. Mcan, and Confederate President Jefferson Davis, alongside symbolic maps. As one of over 7,000 images produced by the firm, it exemplifies their mastery of lithography—a technique that allowed for affordable, mass-produced color prints ideal for everyday Americans. Created during the 1864 presidential election pitting Lincoln against his former general McClellan, the artwork distills the era's central conflict: Union preservation versus Confederate independence. The title wryly suggests the "true issue" at stake, using caricature to mock Southern leadership and rally support for Lincoln's re-election. Such prints served as potent propaganda, circulating widely in homes and taverns to shape public opinion amid battlefield uncertainties. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, this piece highlights lithography's role in democratizing art and political discourse. Currier & Ives' accessible style made complex issues visually compelling, blending sharp wit with patriotic fervor—a testament to how 19th-century graphics fueled national debates.