Congressional Pugilists

Anonymous, American, 18th century

1798 · Etching; third state of three (later restrike?) · Drawings and Prints

This print satirizes the intense factionalism that dominated Congress during the administration of President John Adams (1797–1801). It records a physical fight that broke out on the floor between Representative Roger Griswold of Connecticut (a Federalist) and Representative Matthew Lyon of Vermont (a Jeffersonian), provoked by an insulting remark made by Griswold. Also present are Speaker Jonathan Dayton and Clerk Jonathan W. Condy (both shown seated), Chaplain Ashbel Green (at left, in profile). Griswold kicks Lyon and swings a cane, while Lyon is armed with a pair of fireplace tongs.

Artist

Anonymous, American, 18th century

Date

1798

Medium

Etching; third state of three (later restrike?)

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Gift of Albert Ten Eyck Gardner, 1950