Catalog Archive
Auction 158, Lot 51

"The American Pope"

Subject: Cartographic Miscellany, United States

Period: 1894 (dated)

Publication: Puck Magazine

Color: Printed Color

Size:
18.6 x 11.5 inches
47.2 x 29.2 cm
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This anti-Catholic cartoon was published in Puck, a humorous magazine published in the United States from 1871-1918. The image shows Cardinal Frencesco Satolli sitting atop a large dome labeled "American Headquarters," while casting an evil shadow across the United States, from New York to San Francisco. A handful of cities are named -- including Albany, Memphis, Cincinnati, Chicago, New Orleans, St. Louis, and Denver, among others -- with several cities flying flags labeled "Public School." Satolli, who was appointed in 1893 as the first Papal Delegate to the United States, was met with much criticism due to his overreaching power as the effective head of the Catholic Church in the US. He was widely referred to as the "American Pope." The English text on verso includes an article "Concerning the American Pope" that concludes with the statement: "We have a Pope, and it is just a little more impossible than ever for a man to be a good Catholic and a good American." Lithographed by J. Ottmann and published by Keppler & Schwarzmann.

References:

Condition: B+

Faint offsetting with light toning along edges of sheet, a few tiny binding holes along centerfold, and small stains from where the staples entered the sheet at top and bottom.

Estimate: $750 - $900

Sold for: $500

Closed on 6/22/2016

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