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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’s
window to cast their votes. Krimmel depicts a mixed crowd, with gentlemen gathered on the building’s steps while women, children, dogs, and
intoxicated tradesmen crossed paths on Chestnut Street. A man on the balcony gazes down on the scene while the American flag waves above
Copyright © Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. Distributed by Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers.
his head. Here was American democracy in all its chaotic glory. Winterthur Museum, purchased with funds provided by Henry Francis du Pont.
Strictly for use with its products. Not for redistribution.

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