From the exhibition
With Puck's Compliments to the Democratic National Convention at Chicago
Graetz, F. (Friedrich), approximately 1840-approximately 1913, artist · July 9, 1884

Friedrich Graetz draws Puck—rendered here as a cherubic figure clutching an oversized pen—holding up two portrait cards for the Democratic delegates' inspection. The left card shows Samuel J. Tilden: *Opposed by Kelly, 1876 / Carried New York by 32,000 votes*. The right shows Winfield Scott Hancock: *Supported by Kelly, 1880 / Beaten in New York by 21,000 votes*. The argument is arithmetical and pointed: Tammany Hall boss John Kelly's blessing was electoral poison. When Kelly fought Tilden, Democrats won New York; when Kelly embraced Hancock, they lost it by 21,000. Puck, the magazine's mischievous mascot whose cherub design drew on European illustrative tradition rather than ethnic caricature here, offers the comparison as unsolicited advice—pick your candidate accordingly, gentlemen.
Graetz, F. (Friedrich), approximately 1840-approximately 1913, artist Public domain