The Evolution of Political Cartoons: A Powerful Medium of Expression

A political cartoon, also known as an editorial cartoon, is a unique form of visual commentary that combines artistry, satire, and caricature to convey the opinions and perspectives of the artist. These cartoons often depict public figures and address political issues, serving as a medium through which artists can question authority, expose corruption, and shed light on various social problems. This article delves into political cartoons’ rich history and evolution, tracing their origins, development, and impact on shaping public opinion.

Political Cartoon
Definition	A cartoon graphic with caricatures of public figures, expressing the artist’s opinion
Alternate Name	Editorial Cartoon
Artist	Editorial Cartoonist
Description	Political cartoons combine artistic skill, hyperbole, and satire to question authority, draw attention to corruption, political violence, and social ills.
Origins	Developed in England in the late 18th century, pioneered by James Gillray and sold as individual prints in print shops. The term “cartoon” was popularized by the British periodical Punch in 1841.
History	Origins: Precursor to political cartoons was Hogarth’s Emblematical Print on the South Sea Scheme (c. 1721) and A Rake’s Progress (1732–33). Development: James Gillray and Thomas Rowlandson in the late 18th century. George Cruikshank in the 1820s–40s. Punch magazine was founded in 1841 and popularized the term “cartoon.” Maturation: Thomas Nast in the mid-19th century with a focus on Civil War and Reconstruction issues.
Recognition	Institutions like the Center for the Study of Political Graphics and the British Cartoon Archive archive and document editorial cartoons. Awards include the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning.
Modern Political Cartoons	Published in newspapers on the editorial page. Often use visual metaphors, caricatures, and humor to address political events and issues. Some, like Garry Trudeau’s Doonesbury, are placed on comic strip pages.
Controversies	Political cartoons have sparked controversies, such as the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons and Charlie Hebdo shooting. Rare libel lawsuits include J.H. Thomas’s successful case in 1921.

Origins of Political Cartoons

The roots of political cartoons can be traced back to England in the latter part of the 18th century, with James Gillray emerging as a pioneer in this art form. Gillray’s work and that of his contemporaries in the thriving English industry were primarily distributed as individual prints in print shops. It was William Hogarth, however, who laid the groundwork for political cartoons with his unique blend of social criticism and artistic storytelling. He frequently targeted the corruption rampant in early 18th-century British politics.

One of Hogarth’s early satirical works, “Emblematical Print on the South Sea Scheme” (c.1721), highlighted the catastrophic stock market crash in 1720, the South Sea Bubble. This event led to substantial financial losses for many English citizens, and Hogarth’s artwork served as a commentary on the consequences of unchecked greed and speculative investment.

Hogarth’s masterpieces, such as “A Rake’s Progress” (1732–33), depicted the downfall of Tom Rakewell, the son of a wealthy merchant, who squandered his fortune on a lavish lifestyle that included encounters with sex workers and excessive gambling. The narrative ended tragically with the character’s institutionalization in Bethlem Royal Hospital. While Hogarth’s work primarily aimed at moralizing, it laid the foundation for the political potential of visual satire.

However, George Townshend, 1st Marquess Townshend, produced some of the first overtly political cartoons and caricatures in the 1750s, introducing a more direct approach to political commentary through art.

Development of Political Cartoons

The art of political cartooning underwent significant development in the late 18th century, particularly during the era of the French Revolution. James Gillray and Thomas Rowlandson were two key figures in this evolution, both hailing from London. Gillray often hailed as the father of the political cartoon, played a crucial role in popularizing this medium.

Gillray used his art to lampoon and caricature prominent political figures of the time. His satires targeted King George III, portraying him as a pompous buffoon. Additionally, Gillray’s work ridiculed the aspirations of Revolutionary France and its leader, Napoleon. This period saw robust political debate, making it conducive to the growth of caricature and satire. Gillray’s wit, humor, keen sense of the ludicrous, and remarkable artistic execution made him a preeminent caricaturist.

Following Gillray, George Cruikshank emerged as the leading cartoonist in the 1820s to 1840s. His early career was marked by social caricatures portraying English life for popular publications. However, his political prints garnered notoriety, as he fearlessly targeted the royal family and leading politicians. In 1820, he was even bribed not to caricature King George IV in compromising situations. One of his iconic creations was John Bull, a personification of England, developed in collaboration with other British satirical artists.

Emergence of Cartoonist’s Magazines

In 1841, a significant milestone in the history of political cartoons was reached with the founding of the British periodical “Punch.” Henry Mayhew and engraver Ebenezer Landells founded the publication. Punch would later become a national institution under the ownership of Bradbury and Evans, who capitalized on emerging mass printing technologies to make the magazine widely accessible.

The term “cartoon” to refer to comic drawings was coined by “Punch” in 1843. The magazine decided to adorn the Houses of Parliament with murals, and the preliminary sketches for these murals were displayed publicly. These preliminary sketches were termed “cartoons,” referring to the large pieces of cardboard on which they were created. This usage led to the term “cartoon” being adopted for political cartoons, further solidifying its place in everyday language.

“Once A Week,” another literary magazine created by Bradbury and Evans in response to Charles Dickens’s departure from “Household Words,” featured contributions from the same group of authors and artists who contributed to “Punch.” The periodical included works by prominent figures like John Leech, Richard Doyle, John Tenniel, Charles Keene, and even Charles Dickens.

Prolific Artists and Maturation

John Tenniel, chief cartoon artist for “Punch,” is recognized as one of the most prolific and influential cartoonists of the 1850s and 60s. Alongside fellow cartoonist John Leech, Tenniel was a steadfast social witness to the significant national changes during this period. “Punch” faithfully reflected the general public sentiment, and Tenniel’s illustrations played a vital role in shaping public opinion. For example, after the Indian Rebellion in 1857, Tenniel’s illustrations, such as “Justice” and “The British Lion’s Vengeance on the Bengal Tiger,” captured public outrage and conveyed the prevailing mood.

The Golden Era of Thomas Nast

By the mid-19th century, political cartoons had become integral to major political newspapers worldwide. Thomas Nast, a prominent figure in New York City, gained fame for his realistic German drawing techniques and their application to significant political issues during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. Nast’s career was marked by a series of 160 editorial cartoons that exposed the criminal activities of Boss Tweed’s political machine in New York City.

American art historian Albert Boime highlights the profound impact Nast had on American public life, suggesting that no other artist of the 19th century wielded as much influence. Nast effectively swayed public opinion through his powerful visual imagination, and his work significantly contributed to dismantling the corrupt Tweed Ring, which had swindled New York City out of millions of dollars. Nast’s influence extended to the outcome of every presidential election from 1864 to 1884.

Recognizing Notable Works

Throughout history, several political cartoons have garnered recognition and acclaim. Benjamin Franklin’s “Join, or Die” (1754) is often cited as one of the earliest political cartoons, conveying the importance of unity among the American colonies. “The Thinkers Club” (1819), produced in response to the surveillance and censorship of German universities under the Carlsbad Decrees, highlighted the suppression of academic freedom. E. H. Shepard’s “The Goose-Step” (1936) brought attention to the rearmament of Germany under Adolf Hitler. “The Goose-Step” was initially published in the British “Punch” magazine.

Preservation and Awards

Institutions such as the Center for the Study of Political Graphics in the United States and the British Cartoon Archive in the United Kingdom play a vital role in archiving and documenting editorial cartoons. These institutions preserve the rich history of this medium, which has been instrumental in shaping political discourse.

Editorial cartoons and their creators are also recognized through various awards. The Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning, established in the United States in 1922, is one such prestigious accolade. In the United Kingdom, the British Press Awards’ “Cartoonist of the Year” acknowledges the outstanding contributions of cartoonists.

In 2016, Toons Mag introduced the Cartoonist of the Year award. Toons Mag has been giving this award regularly every year.
Read and discover more about the Cartoonist of the Year award.

Modern Political Cartoons

Today, political cartoons can be found in many newspapers, primarily on the editorial pages. While most cartoons use visual metaphors and caricatures to convey complex political issues, some, like Garry Trudeau’s “Doonesbury,” are placed on regular comic strip pages. The power of political cartoons lies in their ability to provide a humorous or emotionally charged perspective on current events.

Yaakov Kirschen, the creator of the Israeli comic strip “Dry Bones,” emphasizes the role of humor in political cartoons. He believes humor can disarm people, making them more receptive to alternative viewpoints. Kirschen’s objective is to “seduce rather than to offend,” aiming to influence readers through laughter.

Modern political cartoons may use traditional visual symbols like Uncle Sam, the Democratic donkey, and the Republican elephant. Alternatively, they may focus on textual elements and storytelling, as seen in “Doonesbury,” which conveys a linear narrative in comic strip format.

The Art of Framing and Communication

Political cartoons often employ specific frames of understanding to enhance political comprehension and encourage the reconceptualization of events. These cartoons can provide unique perspectives and commentary on national and international issues. Visual metaphors and juxtaposition of unrelated events for humorous effect is a common practice in political cartoons. This humor can reduce political anger and help people see complex issues differently.

Pocket Cartoons: A Source of Reassurance

A pocket cartoon is a concise political cartoon, typically featuring a single-panel single-column drawing. Osbert Lancaster introduced this format in 1939 at the “Daily Express.” These cartoons are designed to provide readers relief and humor amidst the challenges and calamities they might encounter in daily news. Pocket cartoons, with their ability to extract the absurd from serious situations, offer a ray of hope to readers.

Controversies and Impact

Editorial cartoons are not immune to controversy. Several instances have led to significant debates and even tragic consequences. The Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy, the Charlie Hebdo shooting, the publication of cartoons related to Islam, and the 2007 Bangladesh cartoon controversy are examples of controversies triggered by political cartoons. Despite these challenges, the enduring power of political cartoons to express opinion and shape public discourse remains unquestionable.

In conclusion, political cartoons have a long and storied history of influencing public opinion and serving as a critical medium for expressing political views. From their origins in 18th-century England to their modern incarnations, these cartoons significantly shape how we perceive and discuss the political world. Their ability to blend humor with profound commentary makes them a powerful and enduring form of artistic and political expression.

Discover more political cartoons from Toons Mag.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Political Cartoons

1. What is a political cartoon?

A political cartoon, also known as an editorial cartoon, uses caricatures of public figures to express the artist’s opinion on various political and social issues. These cartoons often employ artistic skill, hyperbole, and satire to question authority and highlight corruption, political violence, and other societal problems.

2. Who creates political cartoons?

Political cartoons are created by artists known as editorial cartoonists. These artists specialize in creating visual commentary on political and social issues.

3. When did political cartoons originate?

Political cartoons have a history dating back to the latter part of the 18th century, particularly in England. James Gillray is considered one of the pioneers of political cartoons. The medium began to develop under his direction and that of other notable artists like Thomas Rowlandson.

4. What were the early influences on political cartoons?

The precursor to political cartoons in England was pictorial satire. Artists like William Hogarth created works that combined social criticism with sequential scenes to comment on early 18th-century British politics.

5. How did the art of political cartoons develop in the 18th century?

The 18th century saw the development of political cartoons, especially during the French Revolution. Artists like James Gillray and George Cruikshank in England contributed to the growth of this art form by creating satirical and caricatured illustrations aimed at political figures, including the British royal family.

6. What role did publications like Punch play in developing political cartoons?

The British periodical Punch, founded in 1841, played a significant role in popularizing political cartoons. The magazine featured cartoons that expressed the political opinions of its creators and led to the widespread use of the term “cartoon” in this context.

7. Who were some influential artists in political cartooning during the mid-19th century in the United States?

Artists like Thomas Nast were highly influential in the United States during the mid-19th century. Nast’s cartoons targeted Boss Tweed’s political machine and played a crucial role in swaying public opinion and political outcomes.

8. How do modern political cartoons differ from historical ones?

Modern political cartoons continue to use visual metaphors, caricatures, and humor to address complex political issues. They often appear on the editorial pages of newspapers. Some modern cartoonists may also focus on text or storylines in their cartoons. Modern political cartoons aim to provide a humorous or emotional perspective on current events.

9. Are there controversies related to political cartoons?

Yes, political cartoons sometimes lead to controversies. Notable examples include the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy, the Charlie Hebdo shooting, and the 2007 Bangladesh cartoon controversy. These controversies can arise from the content or messages conveyed in the cartoons.

10. What is a pocket cartoon?

A pocket cartoon is a specific political cartoon format characterized by a single-panel, single-column drawing that typically conveys a topical political joke or gag. This format was introduced by Osbert Lancaster in 1939 and is often used to provide readers with humor and a different perspective on the news.