Painting

Title:

Nil Desperandum Duce Satano

Object Name:

Painting

Object ID:

1975.514

Creator:

Clark, Daniel (1809-1891)Artist

Place of Origin:

Hanover, NH

Date:

1833-1834

Description:

Painting of Nil Desperandum Duce Satano, by Daniel Clark (1809-1891), 1833-1834. Watercolor and ink on paper. Depicting a winged devil pulling the nose of Captain Ebenezer Symmes who is carrying his bill (see: Notes). Symmes' hat and pipe are knocked off and in the air behind him. Symmes is wearing a dark bluecoat and dark brown breeches and a tan waistcoat. He has on red stockings and brown shoes with a buckle on the top of each one. He has a flask at behind and is carrying a banner that reads: "SYMMES' / BILL!" The Devil has horns and wings and a hairy body. He is holding a pitchfork up as though to strike Symmes. His red tongue is sticking out. His feet are 3 claws with stripes. Printed inscription lower center in an upward curving line: "NIL DESPERANDUM DU- / -CE SATANO." This small watercolor is mounted to a larger sheet with ink inscription that explains the cartoon: "The above is a copy (painted by Daniel Clark) / on the flag borne by the students of Dart. Coll. / at the annual training in May 1833 for 4 / Symmes was the year before a member / of the Legislation from Hanover, and procured / the passage of a law compelling the students / to train, unless they would surrender their / right to vote - for which the Devil pulls his nose." Unframed.

Material:

Paper

Dimensions:

H-11.9 W-8.8 inches

Credit Line:

New Hampshire Historical Society Collection

People:

Clark, Daniel (1809-1891), Symmes, Ebenezer (1793-1881)

Subjects:

Devil, Political Cartoon, Legislation, Military service