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Can the Law Reach Him?—The Dwarf and the Giant Thief is a cartoon by Thomas Nast published in Harper's Weekly on January 6, 1872. The cartoon was created after William Magear Tweed, also known as Boss Tweed, resigned as Commissioner of Public Works on December 28, 1871, and faced criminal charges. The work dramatized the question of whether he could be convicted and is now held in the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs at the New York Public Library.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Can the Law Reach Him? - The Dwarf and the Giant Thief |
| Publication | Harper's Weekly |
| Publication Date | January 6, 1872 |
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What You'll Learn
Thomas Nast's political cartoon
Thomas Nast, a German immigrant, became one of America's most influential journalists and premier political cartoonists. Nast immigrated to New York City with his family at the age of six. By his mid-teens, he was working as an illustrator for popular publications like Harper's Weekly, Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, and New-York Illustrated News. Nast's drawings not only changed national attitudes but also swayed political races.
Nast's political cartoons were foundational to the creation of modern political cartoons. He used his platform to advocate for Black voting rights and against corruption in politics. Nast supported President Lincoln and the Union cause during the Civil War, and his relentless campaign against New York's Tammany Hall political machine gained him fame. One of his notable works during this period was "Emancipation of the Negroes, The Past and the Future" (1863), which depicted the miserable past of slaves and the promising future that emancipation could bring.
Nast also gave America some of its enduring symbols, including the Republican elephant, the Democratic donkey, and Uncle Sam. His illustrations even shaped the modern image of Santa Claus. Nast's work, however, was not without contradictions. While he initially championed Black suffrage and decried white supremacist violence, his later cartoons during the Reconstruction era criticized Black legislators. Nast's progressive views on civil rights were also marred by his hostility towards Irish immigrants and his anti-Catholic bias.
Nast's cartoons were powerful due to their repetition in publications like Harper's Weekly, where he drew over 800 cartoons. His work dramatized and unfolded stories over weeks or months, emphasizing his points effectively. One such example is his full-page cartoon, "Can the Law Reach Him — The Dwarf and the Giant Thief" (1872), which addressed the question of whether former Commissioner of Public Works, Tweed, could be convicted of criminal charges. Nast's impact on American political cartoons was significant, and his legacy continues to be studied and critiqued.
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Harper's Weekly
Published on January 6, 1872, "Can the Law Reach Him?—The Dwarf and the Giant Thief" was a political cartoon by Thomas Nast for Harper's Weekly, a magazine published by Harper & Brothers from 1857 until 1916. The publication featured foreign and domestic news, fiction, essays, and humour, alongside illustrations. It was the most widely read journal in the United States during the American Civil War era.
Nast, who was recruited in 1862, worked with Harper's Weekly for over 20 years and is often regarded as the father of American political cartooning. He is known for his aggressive cartoon campaign against the corrupt New York political leader, William "Boss" Tweed, who was arrested and convicted of fraud in 1873. Nast's cartoons also played a significant role in securing Rutherford B. Hayes' 1876 presidential election.
In addition to his political cartoons, Nast is credited with creating the iconic image of Santa Claus, which became strongly associated with Christmas customs in the late nineteenth century. Nast's final contribution to Harper's Weekly was a Christmas illustration in December 1886.
After 1900, Harper's Weekly increasingly focused on political and social issues, featuring articles by prominent figures such as Theodore Roosevelt. The magazine published its final issue on May 13, 1916, before being absorbed by The Independent.
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Tweed's resignation
On December 28, 1871, Tweed resigned as Commissioner of Public Works. This raised the primary question as to whether he could be convicted of criminal charges. Thomas Nast dramatized this in a full-page cartoon published in Harper's Weekly on January 6, 1872, titled "Can the Law Reach Him — The Dwarf and the Giant Thief". The cartoon depicted a dwarf standing on the shoulders of a giant thief, with the caption "Can the Law Reach Him?". The dwarf, representing Tweed, was shown holding a bag of money, while the giant thief, representing the law, was shown reaching out towards the dwarf with a menacing expression.
The publication date of this cartoon was significant as it came just over a week after Tweed's resignation. Nast's cartoon captured the public's imagination and the phrase "Can the Law Reach Him?" became something of a catchphrase. The image of the dwarf and the giant thief was reproduced in various forms, including engravings and prints, and it even inspired a children's game where one player would stand on another's shoulders, mimicking the dwarf and the giant thief.
Nast's cartoon highlighted the concern that, despite Tweed's resignation, he might still evade justice due to his wealth and influence. The dwarf, holding onto the giant thief's neck, represents Tweed's grip on power and his ability to avoid the consequences of his actions. The giant thief, with his outstretched arm and threatening expression, represents the law's attempt to reach Tweed and bring him to justice.
The resignation of Tweed and the subsequent publication of Nast's cartoon marked a significant moment in the history of political cartoons. It demonstrated the power of visual satire in holding the powerful to account and sparked a wider discussion about the reach and limitations of the law in tackling corruption. Nast's work influenced future generations of cartoonists and reinforced the importance of the free press in a democratic society.
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Criminal charges against Tweed
The cartoon "Can the Law Reach Him?--The Dwarf and the Giant Thief" was published in Harper's Weekly on January 6, 1872. It was created after Tweed resigned as Commissioner of Public Works on December 28, 1871, and faced criminal charges. The central question that the cartoon sought to address was whether Tweed could be convicted.
Tweed, also known as the "Giant Thief" in the cartoon, was facing criminal charges for his alleged involvement in corruption and fraud during his tenure as Commissioner of Public Works. The specific details of the charges are not known, but they were likely related to the misuse of public funds, embezzlement, or bribery.
As a public official, Tweed was expected to uphold the law and act in the best interests of the people he served. However, it is alleged that he used his position for personal gain, enriching himself at the expense of the taxpayers. This breach of trust led to widespread outrage and calls for justice.
The criminal charges against Tweed were a significant development because they sent a strong message that no one was above the law. Despite Tweed's powerful position and influence, he was still subject to the same laws as everyone else. The case also highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in government, demonstrating that public officials would be held accountable for their actions.
The cartoon, "Can the Law Reach Him?" effectively captured the uncertainty and intrigue surrounding the case. It portrayed Tweed as a dwarf, suggesting that despite his powerful position, he was ultimately vulnerable to the reach of the law. The giant thief in the cartoon likely represented the magnitude of Tweed's alleged crimes, which had a significant impact on the public.
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Nast's dramatization of the event
Thomas Nast's political cartoon "Can the Law Reach Him?—The Dwarf and the Giant Thief" was published in Harper's Weekly on January 6, 1872. The cartoon was Nast's dramatization of the events following William Magear Tweed's resignation as Commissioner of Public Works on December 28, 1871. After his resignation, Tweed faced criminal charges, and the question on everyone's lips was whether he could be convicted.
Nast's cartoon depicted the dwarf-like figure of Tweed, labeled "The Giant Thief," standing on a small island surrounded by a vast ocean. The island, labeled "Beyond the Reach of the Law," represented the notion that Tweed believed he was safe from prosecution. A long, towering figure, labeled "The Law," stands in the ocean, reaching out towards Tweed with a determined expression. The dramatic size contrast between the two figures emphasized the power dynamic and the looming threat of justice.
The cartoon is rich in symbolism and metaphor, conveying the idea that Tweed, despite his perceived invincibility, was not above the law. The ocean, a formidable and unpredictable force, serves as a visual representation of the legal system, suggesting that it has the power to engulf and overwhelm those who evade it. The small island, offering a false sense of security, emphasizes the isolation and vulnerability of those who attempt to escape justice.
Nast's use of exaggeration and personification adds to the dramatic effect of the cartoon. The towering figure of "The Law" looms over Tweed, its outstretched arm symbolizing the inevitability of justice. The dwarf-like portrayal of Tweed, despite his "giant thief" label, highlights the idea that his power and influence do not make him untouchable. The cartoon captures the tension and uncertainty of the time, presenting a visual narrative that conveys the public's hope for accountability and justice.
Nast, known for his satirical and politically charged cartoons, often used his art to critique corruption and social issues. "Can the Law Reach Him?" is a powerful example of how Nast utilized visual metaphors and dramatic composition to engage the public and spark discussions about contemporary events and issues. Through this cartoon, Nast gave a voice to the public's concerns, presenting a creative and impactful perspective on the unfolding events surrounding Tweed's resignation and legal troubles.
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Frequently asked questions
"Can the Law Reach Him—The Dwarf and the Giant Thief".
Thomas Nast.
January 6, 1872.
Harper's Weekly.
Nast's cartoon was inspired by the resignation of Tweed as Commissioner of Public Works on December 28, 1871, and the subsequent question of whether he could be convicted on criminal charges.
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