255

[Elkanah Tisdale], artist.

The Gerry-Mander, first appearance of this loathsome creature, in the Boston Gazette..

Boston, 26 March 1812
Clipping from Volume 36, No. 27. One sheet, 14¼ x 6½ inches, with "The Gerry-Mander" and related text on one side, and part of the newspaper's front page on verso; laid into a Japanese paper mat.

  • Notes: "The Gerry-Mander: A New Species of Monster, which Appeared in Essex South District in January Last" features a map of Newburyport's new congressional district in the form of a monstrous salamander. It was named in honor of Massachusetts governor Elbridge Gerry, who was held responsible for the special redistricting to benefit the Democratic-Republican Party. 

    The art is uncredited, but widely attributed to engraver Elkanah Tisdale (1768-1835). This is the first appearance of the term "gerrymander," and its first depiction in graphic form. We have traced no other examples at auction.
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