"Freedom Cats" Framed Poster

This rare historical print deserved all our energy and time to be restored and brought back to life, so that it could continue to tell its amazing story of freedom and hope. With this framed poster you can add a bold statement piece to any room, as a reminder of standing for what is right, and as a meaningful conversation piece. Printed on museum-quality, thick, matte paper, this poster comes with a wooden frame made from solid wood, and with hanging hardware included. Printed with non toxic, water-based inkjet colors.

The history:

When you take a closer look, you will quickly realize that these are not regular cats. A blue cat named "Jeff", is leaving the bowl in which now proudly stands a white cat labeled "Old Abe"; another cat, labeled "Contraband", is sitting behind.

"Jeff" is a caricature for Jefferson Davis who, during the American Civil War, was the President of the Confederacy and fought to maintain slavery. Thanks to a clever legal maneuver, General Benjamin Butler declared that enslaved people fleeing into Union territory were "contraband of war," akin to enemy supplies, rather than returning them under the Fugitive Slave Act. The contraband policy was a practical and moral challenge to Davis's entire cause, as it acknowledged Black people as people seeking freedom, not just property to be returned. The contraband system, backed by President Lincoln, created safe havens for thousands, and ultimately helped dismantle the institution of slavery. The title of the print, "The question settled", refers to this "Contraband Decision" that became official Union policy.

The white cat, Old Abe, symbolized the famous bald eagle mascot, named after President Lincoln, who went to battle with the troops, and became a national legend for bravery and Union spirit. Captured in Wisconsin by an Ojibwe man, then sold to a farmer's wife, it was eventually bought by the militia for $2.50. Carried into combat on a perch with the American flag, Old Abe attended dozens of battles and campaigns, raised funds for veterans, and became a powerful symbol of freedom, patriotism, and the sacrifices of the war.

Product features:

• Paper weight: 170 g/m² 
• 0.26 mm (10.3 mil) thick
• White frame made from semi-hardwood alder
• Acrylite front protector
• Hanging hardware included
• 21×30 cm posters are size A4

Production and Shipping:

- Depending on your location, product can ship from: United States, United Kingdom, Latvia, or Australia. 

- Blank product components in the US sourced from Japan and the US

- Blank product components in the EU sourced from Japan and Latvia

- This product is made-to-order, consistently with our environmental pledge, meaning that it is produced as soon as you place the order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!

EU GPSR information: EU Warranty: 2 years;  Age: For adults

In compliance with the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), MedievalMade LLC and SINDEN VENTURES LIMITED ensure that all consumer products offered are safe and meet EU standards. For any product safety related inquiries or concerns, please contact our EU representative at gpsr@sindenventures.com. You can also write to us at 3838 Oak Lawn Ave, STE 1000, PMB 1108, Dallas, TX, 75219, US or Markou Evgenikou 11, Mesa Geitonia, 4002, Limassol, Cyprus.