Graphic Statues, No. 17— “The Woman Who Dared”

In 1872, Susan B. Anthony was arrested for attempting to vote. The subsequent trial is famous for two reasons: first, because Anthony refused to apologize and pay her fine; and second, because it closed off the avenue for Anthony to pursue the matter in a lawsuit that would reach the Supreme Court. Near the end of the trial, the judge asked Anthony if she had anything to say. She responded at length and repeatedly ignored the judge’s order to stop talking and sit down. Anthony persisted, declaring, “You have trampled underfoot every vital principle of our government.” She continued: “My natural rights, my civil rights, my political rights, my judicial rights, are all alike ignored.”

During the trial, this illustration made fun of Anthony for asserting her rights. She brandishes a feminine umbrella as a weapon and wears Uncle Sam’s hat, which alludes to her appropriation of male political power.

Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Washington, D.C.