Page 53 - Demo

Election Day in Philadelphia, 1815 Though election days were an old tradition in England and its American colonies, the democratic character of the new republic made them a special object of fascination. This painting by German immigrant John Lewis Krimmel captures the boisterous spirit of election day proceedings outside of the Philadelphia State House, where voters passed their ballots through the building%u2019s window to cast their votes. Krimmel depicts a mixed crowd, with gentlemen gathered on the building%u2019s steps while women, children, dogs, and intoxicated tradesmen cross paths on Chestnut Street. A man on the balcony gazes down on the scene while the American flag waves above his head. Here was American democracy in all its chaotic glory. Winterthur Museum, purchased with funds provided by Henry Francis du Pont.%u00a9 Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. For review purposes only. Do not distribute.