One of the people's saints for the calendar of liberty 1852

The artist registers the widespread American sympathy with certain revolutionary movements in Europe. More specifically, the print extols Louis Kossuth, the Hungarian patriot who led an 1848 revolt against the Austrian imperial domination of Hungary. Kossuth (center) comes to the aid of Liberty (fallen, at left) against Austria, which is shown as a three-headed monster. The monster represents an alliance of "Throne and Altar," i.e., the monarchy and the papacy. Its three heads are those of a dragon with clerical hat and papal tiara (the Vatican), a wolf with a crown (Austria?), and a bear with an eastern crown (probably Russia, Austria's ally). Around the monster's neck is a pendant with the Jesuit insignia. Kossuth steps from a railing into the ring, wielding the sword of "Eloquence" and confronting the monster with the shield of "Truth," which reflects the face of a prelate (probably Pope Pius IX). Kossuth also carries a flag with a liberty cap surrounded by stars, the liberty cap being just above his head. The hero is cheered on by representatives of various nations, waving their respective flags and watching from behind the railing. These include (left to right) an American, an Italian, and a Frenchman who carries a flag of the revolution of 1793. Liberty meanwhile has fallen. Her sword lay broken on the ground while her left foot still presses on the monster's tail. She raises her hand toward Kossuth in an imploring gesture.
1851 or early 1852. Probably drawn by "AW".
The Library's impression of the print is inscribed with a note (probably contemporary) in pencil saying, "Fight for us."
Title appears as it is written on the item.
Purchase (Hubbard Fund); (DLC/PP-1976:041).
Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)
Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1852-1.