THOMAS NAST (American, 1840-1902) Liberty or Death, editorial illustration, circa 1880
9" x 18", ink on board. Signed lower right
This drawing depicts President Grover Cleveland holding a flag in one hand that reads, 'Anarchist War', and in the other hand, a pistol. To the right, Uncle Sam stands by a gallows, signifying the alternative of death, while to the left, Lady Liberty (Columbia) points to the choice of a shipyard doorway marked 'To Europe'.

Thomas Nast (September 27, 1840 – December 7, 1902) was a German-born American caricaturist and editorial cartoonist who is considered to be the "Father of the American Cartoon". He was the scourge of Boss Tweed and the Tammany Hall machine. Among his notable works were the creation of the modern version of Santa Claus, and Uncle Sam (the male personification of the American people), Columbia (Lady Liberty), as well as the political symbols of both major United States political parties: the Republican elephant and the Democratic donkey.

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