2009-04
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/31/2009
Congressional Pugilists, plate size, 8-7/8" x 6-1/2" on larger sheet, 11-1/4" x7-7/8," some margin scuffs, yet image is clean. This is first edition and considered the "third state" with "17" in the upper right corner (see below, Library of Congress). The print captures the heated partisan debates in Congress between Vermont's Jeffersonian Republican representative, Matthew Lyon (1749-1822), and Connecticut's Federalist representative, Roger Griswold (1762-1812). They attacked each other with a cane and fireplace tongs on the floor of the House of Representatives on February 15, 1798. Griswold had accused Lyon of cowardice during the American Revolution and Lyon responded by spitting tobacco juice in Griswold's face. The Library of Congress has three states of the print. the names of Dayton, Condy, and Green are identified by keyed references in the (plate) margins of the second and third states. In all three states "Congress Hall, in Philada. Feb.15.1798" is inscribed in the lower right corner. In the second and third states this inscription is followed by "S. E. Cor.6th & Chesnut St." In the third state, the number "17" appears in the upper right corner. The call numbers for the third state is PC/US - 1798.A000, no. 3 (A size) (third state).
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