When, in the Course of Human Events It Becomes Necessary

Willard, Archibald M. · ca 1876

This black and white print takes its title from the immortal first line of the Declaration of Independence. It depicts a symbolic lion and eagle confronting each other across a stretch of ground on which is scrawled the date "1776." The lion is surrounded by caricatures of British forces, while the eagle and American Colonists are portrayed as brave, defiant figures. This popular, patriotic print was marketed to the average household and sold for 25 cents.