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The Plank - Hitting the Nail on the Head

The Plank - Hitting the Nail on the Head
Artist
Thomas Nast, 27 Sep 1840 - 7 Dec 1902
Sitter
Ulysses Simpson Grant, 27 Apr 1822 - 23 Jul 1885
Date
1875
Type
Print
Medium
Wood engraving on paper
Dimensions
Image/Sheet: 55.6 × 39.8 cm (21 7/8 × 15 11/16")
Topic
Imaginary
Architecture\Building\Capitol
Equipment\Ladder
Tool\Hammer
Nature & Environment\Animal\Reptile\Snake
Newspaper
Cartoon\Political
Ulysses Simpson Grant: Male
Ulysses Simpson Grant: Natural Resource Occupations\Agriculturist\Farmer
Ulysses Simpson Grant: Politics and Government\Cabinet member\Secretary of War
Ulysses Simpson Grant: Military and Intelligence\Army\Officer\Civil War
Ulysses Simpson Grant: Military and Intelligence\Army\Officer\General
Ulysses Simpson Grant: Politics and Government\President of US
Ulysses Simpson Grant: Congressional Gold Medal
Portrait
Credit Line
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
Restrictions & Rights
CC0
Object number
S/NPG.78.191
Exhibition Label
Committed to the growing trend for free public schools in the United States, President Grant proved to be ahead of his times. It was widely held that public education should incorporate Protestant prayers and basic religious doctrine. Catholics, however, objected and instead lobbied for tax dollars to establish their own private schools. In a speech to Union Army veterans in 1875, Grant clearly stated his position: “Leave the matter of religion to the family altar, the church, and the private school supported entirely by private contributions. Keep the church and state forever separate.”
Data Source
National Portrait Gallery
Location
Currently not on view