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Political Banner for Henry Clay (1777-1852)
1844
Maker not marked
USA
Lithograph on cotton
frame: 28 3/4 x 32 x 3/4 in.; textile: 26 x 29 x 1/16 in.
Gift of Robert A. Frank
2001.067.45

Political campaign banner for Henry Clay (1777-1852); cut banner in United States flag format with portrait of Clay; reads "A National Currency / Revenue / and Protection / Henry Clay"; portrait encircled by 26 stars, white circle in each corner of upper left blue field, reads "A National Currency / Revenue and Protection / Encouragement to Agriculture / Manufacture and Commerce"; Clay holds paper that reads "Constitution / of the / United States"; red, white and blue colors; wooden frame with glass.


For Whig Party candidate Henry Clay (1777-1852), the 1844 presidential election was his third attempt to gain that office. Campaigning by the candidates was frowned upon in 1844, so Clay did not actively seek voter support. Clay played up his experience, when he could, compared to Democratic candidate James K. Polk (1795-1849). This campaign textile emphasizes American patriotism by using the colors and patterns of the flag. Clay's support for a national bank, a protective tariff and federal funding of internal improvement projects is reflected in the slogan printed around his portrait, "National Currency, Revenue and Protection." On election day, Clay lost to Polk by just over 38,000 votes (out of 2.6 million cast). He did not run again for president.