The Verdict of the People, George Caleb Bingham, 1854-55

In this work, men gather in the street under a waving American flag as the results of the election are announced. Some celebrate, while others express their dismay at the outcome. A group of women – not allowed to vote at that time – look on from a balcony above. Comedic elements are evident, such as the man at right wearing three hats, who seems to have won the wager “I’ll bet my hat.” Several figures in The Verdict of the People refer to aspects of earlier paintings in the Election Series, including an inebriated man lying on the ground and people eating watermelon at the right. Bingham’s array of political commentary, humorous anecdotes, and interesting characters appeal to a national interest in American life on the frontier.