American political cartoons, approximately 1767-1950, bulk 1840-1870

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Summary

Abstract:
The American political cartoons collection contains approximately 530 prints relating to politics in the United States from 1767 to the 1950s, with the bulk of the items dating from 1840 to 1870. Most are engravings, but some lithographs are also included. The images provide a visual resource for studying political corruption, social misfortunes, the history of American governance, and the editorial opinions expressed by illustrators and publishers, as well as perspectives on caricature and cartooning in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Extent:
15.25 Linear Feet (7 boxes and 1 oversize folder)
Language:
Materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. American political cartoons, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Background

Scope and content:

The American political cartoons collection contains approximately 530 prints relating to politics in the United States from 1767 to the 1950s, with the bulk of the items dating from 1840 to 1870. Most are engravings, but some lithographs are also included.

The collection highlights both well-known and less recognized American public figures. Subjects include American governance, presidents and politicians, political corruption, social misfortunes, and the American Civil War, as well as caricature and cartooning in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Notable printers represented in the collection are Henry R. Robinson, Currier & Ives, and E. W. Kemble. There is also a set of 58 cartoons from San Francisco based satirical magazine The Wasp; all are from 1881 and most are illustrated by George Frederick Keller.

Acquisition information:
The collection began in 1936 with a gift from Isabel Simeral Johnson of approximately 175 prints. Additional prints were donated by Mrs. Alice Hazlett, Mr. Baughman, Homer D. Crotty, and Mary W. T. Dickinson (who donated The Wasp cartoons). The provenance of the remaining items is unknown, though early library records indicate that Mrs. Johnson encouraged fellow collectors and contemporary cartoonists to donate to the library.
Processing information:

Cartoons were added to and organized chronologically over the decades of acquisition by various library staff. Box lists were checked and the prints organized and rehoused as needed by Krystle Satrum in January 2020. Finding aid was prepared and encoded by Charla DelaCuadra in March 2020.

Arrangement:

Materials are arranged chronologically. Most prints are housed in individual folders, except cartoons clipped from newspapers. These are grouped together by decade and date, and are primarily from the 20th century.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.

Terms of access:

The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. American political cartoons, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Location of this collection:
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108, US
Contact:
(626) 405-2191
reference@huntington.org
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