Study for Cartoon, "Editor's Easy Chair"
Classification
figures
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Cooper Union Library
Accession Number
1953-10-47
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Thomas Nast, the German-born American caricaturist (1840–1902), was a towering figure in 19th-century journalism, for his biting political cartoons in *Harper Weekly*. Active during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras, Nast helped shape public opinion on issues like corruption and civil rights, famously popularizing the Democratic donkey and Republican elephant symbols. Created in 187, *Study for Cartoon, " Easy Chair"* is a drawing from his prolific output, likely sketching figures for a satirical piece tied to the "Editor's Easy Chair"—a witty literary feature in *Harper's Monthly Magazine...