Ames, Joseph “The Last Days of Webster at Marshfield”

Joseph Ames.  “The Last Days of  Webster at Marshfield.”  [Massachusetts]. 

New York: Smith & Parmelee, 1858.  25 1/4 x 34.  Engraving by C. Mottram.  Superb impression.  Small chip in upper left hand margin corner.  Repaired tear bottom margin.  Very good  condition.    

This striking, rich engraving shows Daniel Webster on his death bed at his home in Marshfield.  The engraving by C. Mottram is after a painting by Joseph Ames, and the wealth of symbolism matches the rich engraving.  In the center is Webster, propped on a pillow in his bed, talking to his family and friends who surround him, some of whom are stoically absorbing Webster’s wisdom while others weep or gaze on with great sorrow.  A shaft of light streams in through the widow, lighting the dying man, and creating a dramatic effect for this wonderful example of nineteenth century art.

A very accurate and moving précis of Webster’s reputation can be found where fourteen year old Francis O. French wrote in his diary, “Daniel Webster is dead!!!!!  His great intellect is at rest forever.  No more shall his voice be lifted up in behalf of the dearly beloved Constitution of his country: no more shall we hear his majestic tones echo through the national legislative halls . . . . His laurels are not from the blood stained field but from the powers of his intellect.  Which are the most preferable.”  Quoted from Growing Up on Capitol Hill edited by John J. McDonough (Washington: Library of Congress, 1997).