Join, or Die — Benjamin Franklin, 1754

Benjamin Franklin’s Join, or Die reduces its message to a segmented snake and three uncompromising words. Individual sections of the snake carry abbreviated colonial or regional designations, while the original “JOIN, or DIE.” caption sits prominently beneath them. The surrounding newspaper typography and archival reference bars preserved in this reproduction give the image the character of a historical document rather than a modern reinterpretation.

First published in The Pennsylvania Gazette on May 9, 1754, the woodcut encouraged greater unity among the British colonies during mounting conflict with France. Its direct composition became one of the defining images of early American political print culture and was later adapted and reused as ideas of colonial unity developed in the years preceding the American Revolution.

Artwork Details

• Artist: Benjamin Franklin
• Title: Join, or Die
• Original title: Join or Die
• Series: The Pennsylvania Gazette
• Date: May 9, 1754
• Period: 18th century
• Place of Origin: Pennsylvania, United States
• Medium: Woodcut printed in newspaper

Framed Print Details

• Fine art printing: Professional 12-color fine art printing technology produces vivid, accurate colors with strong tonal depth and significantly greater nuance than standard 4-color inkjet printing.
• Paper: Smooth premium matte paper with a clean, glare-free finish.
• Paper weight: 200 gsm (80 lb).
• Paper thickness: 0.26 mm (10.3 mils).
• Frame material: Durable pine wood.
• Frame dimensions: Approximately 20 mm (0.79 in) deep and 10–14 mm (0.4–0.6 in) wide.
• Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the print while keeping the framed artwork lightweight.
• Ready to hang: A hanging kit is included, allowing the framed print to be mounted directly on the wall.
• Available sizes: Offered in a range of sizes to suit different spaces.
• Materials: Printed using FSC-certified paper and wood where available.
• Production: Each framed print is produced to order through a trusted international network of professional print studios.
• Shipping: Worldwide shipping is available.
• Made to order: There is no minimum order quantity. Each piece is printed and assembled on demand, reducing unnecessary stock and waste.

Exact frame dimensions, component availability, and production specifications may vary slightly depending on the selected size and destination.