By Anne Gilbert
Imagine being able to own an original piece of art documenting an important moment. In time of American history, and for only a few hundred dollars or less! Even harder to believe, many examples, just like original illustrations, were trashed. Fortunately a goodly number were saved and have found their way to museums. The largest collection is housed in the Ohio State University Cartoon Research Library.
Did you ever hear of Frederick Opper ? He is considered the greatest American born cartoonist. Yet, many of his original pen and ink cartoons can sell, unrecognized, for as little as $80 at an antique show. How about Thomas Nast ? He is one of America’s most famous, early political cartoonists. Yet, several years ago when one of his important cartoons came to auction at Illustration House Gallery in New York, it sold for under a thousand dollars.
These are but two of the many examples of original political cartoon art, still available at modest prices and awaiting discovery.
Roger Reed, President of Illustration House, specializing in original cartoon and illustration art told me that “In the 20th century, every daily paper had its own cartoonist; these artists were very prolific, and versed thoroughly steeped in politics”
Why hasn’t the political and editorial cartoon market been as high priced as the comic book market ? For one thing it is a specialized art form that doesn’t fall into one of the recognized art categories. Neither did original illustration art until 1970. The general public needed to be educated to possibilities. Now the same can be said for cartoon art.
As Reed points out, “for the collector, the drawings made by these cartoonists are a remarkable window into the American cultural psyche. Many of these cartoonists reached through this window to having a major influence on elections and to arbitrate issues.”
CLUES: In general what has often been collected, and found its into scrapbooks or framed, in the printed form, or, reproduction of the original cartoon. The original art was in many sizes and often in color. It was then reproduced into newspaper or magazine page size and in black and white.
Not everything they did was political. Often they depicted current events in a humorous way. A good example is an early cartoon signed “Earhart” depicting a woman suffragette, dressed in men’s clothing. Another depicts a humorous carnival scene and by Opper.
Then as now these cartoonists were “politically incorrect.”
While the “golden age” covers from the Civil War to around 1900, many will disagree pointing out 20th century greats Bill Mauldin, Pat Oliphant and others.
“As political cartoonists were prolific, collectors can amass a significant collection on a modest budget,” said Reed.
You never know when you will make a discovery. My collection began in 1980 when I almost stepped on a John McCutcheon cartoon , lying on the floor in an antique shop. The price $75.
PHOTOS: Political cartoon poking fun at President Theodore Roosevelt. Cartoonist Walter Tittle Satirical cartoon of suffragette. Signed Earhardt. Satirical cartoon of carnival freak show. Signed Opper. PHOTO CREDITS: Anne Gilbert Collection
Follow Us