Life — May 15, 1890 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Plague of Tammany" This satirical illustration depicts what appears to be the corrupt political machine of Tammany Hall, New York's Democratic Party organization. The cartoon shows grotesque, insect-like creatures (representing corrupt politicians or political operatives) infesting a classical architectural setting with columns and decorative plants. The "plague" metaphor suggests widespread corruption and infestation of the political system. The creatures' exaggerated features and the swarm-like composition convey that Tammany Hall corruption was pervasive and destructive to civic life. The classical setting (columns, formal garden) emphasizes the desecration of proper government institutions. This reflects late 19th/early 20th-century reform movements against Tammany Hall's notorious boss rule and patronage networks in New York City politics.