108 x 71 in. (274.3 x 180.3 cm)
Framed: 132 x 96 in. (335.3 x 243.8 cm)
Accession Number
2006.172.000
Credit Line
Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives
Object Details
The charismatic “Harry of the West” was elected Speaker of the House on his first day as a U.S. Representative in 1811. As Speaker—later Senator and presidential candidate—Clay championed national unity. This painting was a popular image of Clay. His supporters would have instantly recognized the hodgepodge of objects such as a ship, anvil, and globe at his feet as symbols of his “American System,” a program of economic development and transportation that was part of his fame and his political platform.
