Our world today is filled with cartoons and satires of just about everything, and the blooming of social media has only seemed to grow the number of caricatures. Whether it be a joke about coffee, politics, or haggard mothers, everywhere you turn someone’s using a picture and a few words to make a sarcastic comment.
Did you know that caricatures and political cartoons began long before the current age of Facebook and Pinterest? Yes indeed, the history of caricatures extends well past 300 years. But today I want to talk about one of America's most famous cartoonists, Thomas Nast. Though born in Germany, he spent the majority of his life in the United States, where he raised his family, and within just a few years of beginning work as an illustrator, he became acquainted with Harper's Weekly, a union that would last for twenty-five years.
During the course of his career, Nast illustrated everything from the Civil War . . .
To Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall . . .
To federal politics . . .
To Santa Claus.
So what do you think of these caricatures and cartoons? Do you enjoy the prevalence of caricatures, cartoons and memes today? How much influence do you think someone like Thomas Nast had over popular opinion?
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I like to see these cartoon type pictures. Thanks for this article and pictures. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
ReplyDeleteNaomi, I was thrilled to see the second Civil War picture above in which the woman is kneeling by the window and the soldier is resting against a tree. I happen to have that picture on a document from my great-grandfather, who fought in the 81st Indiana Infantry, so the soldier's uniform is dark blue. It looks gray above. Maybe it was intended for both sides. My document lists the names of the soldiers of Company B, including my g-grandfather, John William Jacobs. I'm so proud of him for serving in the Union Army and helping to end slavery.
ReplyDeleteThat's thrilling, Louise! How awesome to have your very own copy. :-)
DeleteWhat an amazing talent! Thank you for sharing these wonderful illustrations!
ReplyDeletetexaggs2000 at gmail dot com
I have never been much for cartoons but thought your post to be very interesting. Political cartoons are the most interesting to me of any. sharon, wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting post. The talents people have been and are blessed with are just amazing.
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
Thanks for stopping by. Glad everyone enjoyed the illustrations.
ReplyDeleteNaomi, loved this. I've always enjoyed Thomas Nast's cartoons. Especially Santa Claus. I'm not sure what medium he, used, but amazing what that man could do with just a bit of ink or pencil and a sheet of paper.
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