Sorrowful John and Joyful Johnathon

This original Thomas Nast painting depicts Brother Jonathan, represented here by Uncle Sam and the American Eagle in bold profile, and Sorrowful John, represented by the somewhat unkempt John Bull of the UK and the English Lion. The eagle is tugging the tail of the lion, no larger than a dog, as Uncle Sam looks on with a smirk. This piece asserts the U.S. as a strong economic and political world power, who should not be thought of lightly by England.

Sorrowful John and Joyful Jonathan
Thomas Nast
1888
Oil on Canvas