Western America
Lampooning Mormon Leader Brigham Young
c. 1868, Rare Cabinet Card Anti-Mormon Political Cartoon: “THE EMPTY PILLOW,” Very Fine.
Sepia Photo of a Cartoon by “J. Kuppler,” 4.25” x 6.5” Cabinet Card, undated, featuring an illustration of a large bed, filled with 12 women weeping, an empty pillow, a black top hat and black crepe bow on the center of the headboard, and a pair of boots on the floor; on the wall are two portraits of Mormons--one of whom is Brigham Young. A printed caption at the bottom reads: “IN MEMORIAM BRIGHAM YOUNG. ‘AND THE PLACE WHICH KNEW HIM ONCE SHALL KNOW HIM NO MORE.’” A very biting commentary on the Mormon leader’s advocacy of polygamy. Very Rare anti-Mormon cabinet card--the first we’ve seen! Two creases mar the surface of this card; slightly worn and soiled along the margins; signature on the back “Shattuck”--possibly a previous owner.