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Secondary sourcePainting

Zachary Taylor, The People's Choice

N. Currier (Firm)

A popular lithograph portrait of Zachary Taylor produced by the N. Currier print firm, celebrating his presidential candidacy.

This commemorative print depicts Taylor and was used to promote him as 'The People's Choice' for president.

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Black-and-white lithograph portrait of a man with wavy hair in a dark military-style double-breasted coat with a high black collar. Printed caption reads 'Zachary Taylor, The People's Choice for Twelfth President of the United States.' Signed 'Riiso' at lower left.
N. Currier (Firm), Zachary Taylor, The People's Choice for Twelfth President of the United States. Lithograph.

About this source

What it is

This is a black-and-white lithograph print portrait of Zachary Taylor, made by the N. Currier firm, a well-known publisher of popular prints in the 19th century. It shows Taylor in a dark military-style coat with a high collar, and carries the printed caption calling him 'The People's Choice for Twelfth President of the United States.'

Why it matters

Prints like this were an important way ordinary Americans learned about and celebrated political figures before photography was common. It reveals how Taylor's military fame was used to promote him as a presidential candidate.

Look closer

  • Why might the print emphasize his military coat rather than civilian clothes?
  • What does the phrase 'The People's Choice' suggest about how the print was meant to be used?
  • Who do you think bought or displayed prints like this one?

This painting is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Zachary Taylor on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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The Taylor Administration

Mathew Benjamin Brady · 1849

Sepia-toned daguerreotype portrait of an older man with white, tousled hair in a dark military-style double-breasted uniform coat with rows of buttons and shoulder insignia, seated with hands out of view, facing the camera with a stern expression against a gray backdrop.Photograph

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Zachary Taylor half plate daguerreotype

unknown, possibly Maguire of New Orleans · c. 1843-1845

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