Usury

An allegorical female figure labeled “San Francisco” is being tortured “on the rack” by a cast of medieval-looking executioners labeled “Cement Dealer, Lumber Dealer, Iron Workers’ Union, Steel Trust, Bricklayers Union, Building Materials, [and the central figure] Greed” in the aftermath of the 1906 earthquake and fire that destroyed much of San Francisco. Caption: “Generosity” is easy when you can get your money back with interest.

comments and context

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1906-10-24

Marcus A. Hanna is Shylock, wearing a robe and holding a paper that states, “Understanding between Wm. McKinley and Mark Hanna. The aforesaid Mark Hanna shall have the Dictation of all Ohio Appointments, etc., etc.” Hanging from his waist are a purse labeled “Boodle” and a “Patronage Knife,” and extending from his pocket are balance scales.

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1897-07-28

Creator(s)

Opper, Frederick Burr, 1857-1937