The mythic power of cartoons has continued to grow . . placing the cartoonists' role in an exalted position as a standard-bearer for integrity and truth in journalism, as the voice of common sense--the boy revealing that the emperor has no clothes. The cartoonists' influence may be illusory but their popularity is not. The way in which they are able to reduce a complex issue to a simple cartoon presented in a tiny box--often no bigger than three by five inches--has delighted and mystified American readers for [over] two centuries. It has also involved them, if only vicariously, in the political process" (Hess and Northrop, 10).
James Gillray - James-Gillray.org
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James Gillray was a British satirist and many consider him the father of the modern political cartoon. He originally studied engraving at the Royal Academy. Many of his most memorable prints were from the Napoleonic Wars but he does have many earlier works. He is well known for the political independence of his art. (1757 - 1815)
The political climate of Gillray’s time was favorable to the growth of this art form. The party warfare between the Loyalists and Reformists was carried out using party sponsored satirical propaganda prints. Gillray's incomparable wit, keen sense of farce, and artistic ability made him extremely popular as a cartoonist" (Norman Rockwell Museum, 2019) |
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Anon - By far the most prolific creator of political satire was published by those only known as "Anon". Especially very early prints were published by what was assumed to be amateur artists and engravers who sometimes could do isolated prints to help their meager incomes.
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Anon - Pexel's Library
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Head Dress for Young Mistress - Philip Dawe - 1777, Yale
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Although there are no known depictions of Philip Dawe, collections of his prints are easily accessed. He was best known for the intriguing mezzotints he created as an engraver. This method allowed for shading in the prints. He was also venerated for exhibiting his humorous engravings for the Royal court. Dawe's most celebrated prints are "The Bostonians Paying the Excise-Man or Tarring and Feathering" and "Society of Patriotic Ladies". Unfortunately, his publications abruptly stopped in 1780 with no definitive reason as to why.
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Although Benjamin Franklin's main focus was publishing written works of art, there are a few key examples of his satirical works. His most famous depictions are that of the "Join or Die" and "Her Colonies Reduced" cartoons. His "Join or Die" cartoon was the first political cartoon published in an American newspaper in 1754.
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Benjamin Franklin, Encyclopædia Britannica
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Paul Revere - British Museum of Fine Arts
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Sons of Liberty Member Paul Revere was a well-known and skilled silversmith and engraver. Following the French and Indian War, Revere supplemented his income in a variety of ways. He published works in various magazines, books, and restaurant menus. His most famous work during this time period were his political cartoons. However, during the later years, his silver work was highly regarded and he did quite well in his business ventures.
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Matthew Darly was originally a master at drawing but later became a prolific printseller. He was one of the first to hold an exhibition on cartoons. Darly's specialty was showing fashion of the day while using it to satirize events especially using the audacious way women would create scenes in their coiffures.
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Matthew Darley - British Museum
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There are many more who contributed political cartoons during this early era of satire. Some of these include Corbut, Henry Pelham, Thomas Rowlandson, James Sayers, Elkanah Tisdale, and George Townshend.