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Congressional Pugilists

1798
Not on view
This print satirizes the intense factionalism that dominated Congress during the administration of President John Adams (1797–1801). It records a physical fight that broke out on the floor between Representative Roger Griswold of Connecticut (a Federalist) and Representative Matthew Lyon of Vermont (a Jeffersonian), provoked by an insulting remark made by Griswold. Also present are Speaker Jonathan Dayton and Clerk Jonathan W. Condy (both shown seated), Chaplain Ashbel Green (at left, in profile). Griswold kicks Lyon and swings a cane, while Lyon is armed with a pair of fireplace tongs.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Congressional Pugilists
  • Artist: Anonymous, American, 18th century
  • Published in: Philadelphia
  • Date: 1798
  • Medium: Etching; third state of three (later restrike?)
  • Dimensions: plate: 6 9/16 x 8 3/4 in. (16.6 x 22.3 cm)
    sheet: 7 3/8 x 9 15/16 in. (18.7 x 25.3 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: Gift of Albert Ten Eyck Gardner, 1950
  • Object Number: 50.587.13
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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