The seven stages of the office seeker
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The seven stages of the office seeker
The seven stages of the office seeker. A satire on patronage and corruption in New York State politics, based on the medieval theme, perpetuated in American folk art, of the life and ages of man. Here the seven stages are illustrated as key points in the life and career of a political hack. At each stage the figure occupies a different step of a pyramid, under which is shown his metaphorical counterpart in the animal kingdom. According to Elizabeth Sears the compositional device of a stepped pyramid is used in this context as early as the sixteenth century. Here, the author gives a corresponding epigram for each stage. Clay, a Whig, appears to incorporate in his rendition of the theme an indictment of the patronage policies of the Democrats in New York, controlled almost continuously since 1828 by presidents loyal to that party. Former Democratic governor of New York and later president Martin Van Buren apears as the Govenor in vignette number three, Begging for Office. Under Van Burens administration, the Custom House, here the office seekers center of power, was the focus of Democratic corruption in New York City. The seven stages proceed from left to right. 1. Treating - the candidate in a saloon toasts supporters. He proves to thirsty loafers hes the man, / And drowns their judgment in the flowing can. Below, a fox eyes a cock on a fence. 2. Stumping - the candidate is surrounded by supporters, before a banner Regular Nominations and a weather vane crowned by a liberty cap. Then on the Stump he takes his station, / The purest patriot in the nation. Below, a fox at a lectern or pulpit is cheered by geese. 3. Begging for Office - Next we see him stand before the Govenors face, / And crouching like a spaniel for a place. A begging dog appears below. 4. In Office - The candidate strides past the U.S. Custom House oblivious of two supplicant gentlemen. His object gained, he spurns the common herd, / Nor deigns to applicants a single word. The seven stages of the
Media ID 7280617
© Mary Evans / Library of Congress
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