Unite, and Resist (Join, or Die Adaptation)
Print / Poster on paper • Unknown contemporary graphic designer or political activist
Style & Movement
Political art, propaganda, contemporary activist graphic design
Medium & Technique
Digital print or offset lithography on cream-colored paper
Creation Period
Contemporary (likely 21st century)
Dimensions & Format
Vertical portrait format, estimated 8.5 x 11 inches or standard flyer size
Subject Description
A modern adaptation of Benjamin Franklin's historic 'Join, or Die' segmented snake political cartoon, enclosed within a rectangular border, with the text 'UNITE, and Resist.' below it. Below the image is a famous quote attributed to James Madison from Federalist Papers #47 (1788) regarding the accumulation of powers.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good, clean paper surface with minor warping and surface glare from being affixed behind a glass window, but intact and legible.
Estimated Market Value
Nominal / Ephemera value ($10 - $50)
Auction Estimate
Not applicable for general commercial auction; valued primarily as modern political ephemera
Provenance History
Displayed publicly in a window setting as contemporary political commentary; likely produced for grassroots distribution or local protest use.
Art Historical Significance
References one of the most famous early American political cartoons, recontextualizing historical imagery and revolutionary iconography for modern political discourse and resistance movements.
Notable Features
Combines a direct visual quote of Benjamin Franklin's 1754 segmented snake motif with an Enlightenment-era quote from James Madison to create a cohesive contemporary protest poster.
Condition Issues
Slight surface ripples, exposure to natural light which may lead to eventual fading or UV degradation of the paper and ink.
Conservation Recommendations
If archived, remove from direct sunlight and store in a UV-protected, acid-free sleeve in a climate-controlled environment.