image: 10 5/8 in x 16 1/8 in; 26.9875 cm x 40.9575 cm
Object Name:
Lithograph
Object Type:
Lithograph
Place made:
United States: New York, New York City
Date made:
1836
Description (Brief):
This 1836 print is in reference to the New York state elections of that year. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate, Martin Van Buren, is depicted in full military garb, preparing for a “campaign.” Alongside him, are hordes of supporters and fellow candidates for office, including New York gubernatorial candidate, William L. Marcy. Men in the crowd shout out what they are running for, with Whig artist, Henry R. Robinson showing his bias. Among the positions are “Register of cats,” “Inspector of Ladies corsets,” and “Recorder of cold weather.” These imaginary positions suggest that Democrats are unfit for office. The title of the print, makes reference to the “Albany Regency,” the New York political machine created by Van Buren. Regency politicians controlled the New York state government between 1824 and 1838.
The publisher of this print is Henry R. Robinson (1827-1877). Robinson worked in New York, and had a store to sell his prints. In 1842, he was arrested for selling obscene pictures and books leading to the September 28, 1842 court case, People vs H. R. Robinson found in the District Attorney Indictment Papers, Municipal Archives. He was politically affiliated with the anti-Jackson Whig party which was made obvious by the wig silhouette used in 1838 as an advertising logo for his shop.
