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Nast’s final shot before the 1872 president election on November 5 was “‘The
Pirates,’ Under False Colors” (dated November 9, published October 30). It
presents the Greeley coalition of Liberal Republicans and Democrats as pirates
futilely attempting to overtake the Republican Ship of State, which flies
the Stars and Stripes upon which is written “U.S. Grant.” The stealthy crew of
partisan cutthroats lies low prior to making their move, while the vessel
appears to be under the nominal direction of candidate Greeley, standing atop
something on the right with his “N. Y. Tribune” speaking-trumpet and “What I
Know About Shifting” booklet. First-mate Whitelaw Reid plays a violin, labeled
“This Is Not An Organ,” as he stands tiptoe atop a barrel of “Gun Powder
Newspaper Lies,” which seem likely to explode (note the smoke at its base). The
“False Colors” of the title are listed on the sail over Reid’s violin:
“Journalism,” “Love,” “Peace,” “Reconciliation,” “Christianity,” and “Reform.”
Nast’s composition is a faithful and witty parody of “Le Bateau Pirate” (1851),
a painting by the French artist François Auguste Biard.
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Background: 1859 - 1871
