[Zion besieg’d and attack’d] [graphic].

[Zion besieg’d and attack’d] [graphic].

Pennsylvania Constitution 1776

Political cartoons

Allegorical cartoon concerning the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 ("Zion"). Satirizes current events, fads, and opponents of the controversial constitution, which established a unicameral legislation overseen by an unchecked Council of Censors. Depicts "Zion" as a fortification on a rock under the protection of troops flying a flag inscribed, "Franklin & Liberty." The fort is attacked by anti-constitutionalists including Robert Morris and his "Bankers Corps," Benjamin Rush, Thomas Paine and possibly Alexander Hamilton. Also includes caricatured local politicians, sprites, demons, beasts, and animals, including publisher Mathew Carey and possibly pubisher William Cobbett who comment on national banks, banknotes, medical practices, the interest in ballooning, and slanderous pamphleteering and newspaper accounts.

Library Company of Philadelphia

[Philadelphia: William Poyntell, 1787]

1 print: etching and engraving; 37 x 45 cm.(15 x 18 in.)

political cartoons - 1787-[Zio] [5760.F.3]