Engraving

Title:

No Higher Law

Object Name:

Engraving

Object ID:

1960.201

Creator:

Harned, William

Place of Origin:

New York, NY

Date:

circa 1851

Description:

Wood engraving, No Higher Law, unknown artist, possibly published and sold by William Harned, c. 1851. In center, throned figure (Slavery) leaning against a table of four skulls supporting a closed Bible covered with a scroll titled, "Fugitive Slave Bill"; figure is wearing a crown of finger bones, holding whip up in air with right hand, left hand bent supporting head, two guns tucked into belt of robe. In front of central figure (allegorical wild beast) appears as an altar decorated with a cat's head, rosettes, urns, two crossed rifles, and flanked by knives with flames at top; labeled, "SACRED TO SLAVERY / LAW".Three crouching slaves and a man (Daniel Webster) standing on the right looking at viewer, holding a scroll of paper that reads: "I propose to support that / bill...to the fullest extent -to / the fullest extent." To the far right, profiled male figure (Liberty) with long hair and beard, hunched over, holding a crown in his right hand that reads "FREEDOM", and in his left a liberty pole and cap. Figure to left is robed figure (religious minister) arguing at central throned figure; left hand pointing toward flag; right hand pouring incense on the fire. Left middle ground, bare-chested (fugitive) slave fights pack of dogs spurred on by two horse and riders. In background, slave family flees into open arms of white family on left; on right toppling statue (Goddess of Liberty) on hill. Titled below drawing "NO HIGHER LAW", "For Sale by Wm. Harned, 61 John Street. New -York.." Opposite on lower right: "Price$3 - A HUNDRED AND SIX CENTS SINGLE COPY." Unframed.

Material:

Paper

Dimensions:

H-13.5 W-19.4 inches

Credit Line:

New Hampshire Historical Society Collection

People:

Webster, Daniel (1782-1852)

Subjects:

Webster, Daniel, Slavery, Abolition movement, Abolitionists