Historic Political Cartoons

An editorial cartoon, also known as a political cartoon, is an illustration containing a commentary that usually relates to current events or personalities. They typically combine artistic skill, hyperbole and biting humor in order to question authority and draw attention to corruption and other social ills. Read the Terms of Use before downloading these diagrams and click on the image to retrieve the largest size available please.

Printed and published by none other than Benjamin Franklin, May 9, 1754. The fragmented parts of the snake represent the divided American colonies.

Early cartoon commemorating Washington's Death, December 12, 1799. The Federalist grieved over their greatest hero.

An editorial cartoon of Andrew Johnson and Abraham Lincoln, 1865, entitled "The Rail Splitter at Work Repairing the Union." The caption reads: (Johnson): "Take it quietly Uncle Abe and I will draw it closer than ever." (Lincoln): "A few more stitches Andy and the good old Union will be mended."

"To begin with, 'I'll paint the town red'." Grant E. Hamilton, The Judge vol. 7, 31 January 1885

This Northern cartoon (1863) shows the Union being threatened by political reptiles. The reptiles are wearing the hats typically worn by Midwest Democratic congressmen in 1860-65.

Cartoon by Nast. Pictured, Greeley and Tammany swallowing each other during the campaign of 1872.

More About Political Cartoons:

• American Association of Editorial Cartoonists Political cartoons by the members of the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists
• About.com: Political Cartoons Comprehensive guide to political editorial cartoons on the Web
• Using editorial cartoons in the classroom Sources, analysis, interpretation (mostly English with some German)
• Gettysburg College Civil War Era Digital Collection Contains over 300 Civil War Era political cartoons
• American Social History Online
• The Role of Puck's Cartoons in Gilded Age Politics from American Studies at the University of Virginia
• CartoonMovement.com: Political Cartoons and Comics Journalism from around the world

Graphic Organizers by Art Education Daily

In the future our staff will post here various graphic organizers that we draw or diagram for the art classroom. Read the Terms of Use before downloading these diagrams and click on the image to retrieve the largest size available please.

Above is a diagram for a "Cobweb" graphic organizer. Teachers may use this organizer to help students think about: who? what? when? where? and how? when reviewing artifacts/objects during a classroom discussion. "Cobweb" diagrams are best drawn on large pieces of newsprint or butcher paper.

gwen frostic's old print studio

      Gwen Frostic was an artist, author, and Michigan Women's Hall of Fame inductee. She was born in Sandusky, Michigan to Sara and Fred Frostic. When she was 8 months old she suffered from an unknown illness that left her with lifelong symptoms similar to cerebral-palsy. Despite physical difficulties, Gwen showed an early interest and aptitude for art. In June 1924 she graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte, where she was known for using a band saw to create event posters for her school. She continued her studies at Eastern Michigan University earning her teacher's certificate and gaining membership in Alpha Sigma Tau sorority. In 1926 she transferred to Western Michigan University and left in 1927 without completing her degree.

      She continued her artistic endeavors in metal and plastic and taught an occasional class as well. Because metal shortages during the war, Gwen decided to print from carved linoleum blocks. She developed many designs for stationery goods, calendars and prints in order to develop product for her printing company, Presscraft Papers. In the early 1950s she opened her own shop where she sold her prints, books, and other items in Frankfort. In 1960 she bought 40 acres (160,000 m²) of land in Benzonia and on April 26, 1964 she opened her new studio and home to her customers. Frostic lived there until her death in 2001.

      Gwen Frostic was granted several honorary doctorates from Alma College, Eastern Michigan University, Western Michigan University, Michigan State University, and Ferris State University. In 1978 the governor of Michigan declared May 23 as Gwen Frostic Day in Michigan. In 1986 she was inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame. Western Michigan University named its school of art after her in 2007, after her 13 million dollar bequest to the University in 2001.: the Gwen Frostic School of Art. While given as an unrestricted bequest, the funds have primarily been used for scholarships for students, and for the benefit of the arts and creative writing departments in particular, in respect to her lifelong pursuits.
        Teachers may use the following photographs for the development of educational materials. I will soon include several art lesson plans about Gwen Frostic on this blog and it is likely my visitors will need the photographs for Power Point presentations. I snapped these photos of Frostic's studio and home during one of my many family vacations near Lake Michigan.

      Read the and agree to the Terms of Use before downloading photographs here.

The front entrance to Gwen Frostic's studio and home.

There is a little indoor pond just inside the front entrance to her studio.

Children love to watch the gold fish in the pond.

This is her library. It is full of very old books.

The Frostic studio still operates some marvelous old printing presses in the basement area of her home.

The public may purchase Gwen's poetry books in the shop. I just bought my first copy this summer, but my sister in-law has quite a few!

Here are the page samples of this year's calendar. Although Gwen passed away several years ago, she still has many friends who publish her work out of the old studio.

I  love this owl made from a pine cone.

Here is another shot of her old presses. These are fascinating to watch while they are in use.

Above the window visitors can see one of the carved linoleum blocks by Gwen Frostic.

More merchandise. The walls in her studio are made from giant boulders!

On the far left, you can see my younger child shopping for stationary, watch out! When she shops move over buddy!

One of the large ramps leading to the giant round hearth room at Gwen's old studio.

The giant round hearth room.

Print for sale.

A wall of glass where Gwen used to view the local wildlife from the comfort of her own home.

More Related Content:

• Purchase Gwen Frostic's Prints
• Gwen Frostic Prints For Sale? at Interlochen Public Radio
• Sara Gwendolyn Frostic: Michigan Women's Hall of Fame

zoomorphism in calligraphy

Calligraphy design of a dog.

 Calligraphy design of a wild boar.

Calligraphy design of a reclining unicorn.

Calligraphy design of an eagle for a marriage certificate.

Read the Terms of Use before downloading the following photographs and drawings. Click on the images in order to download the largest jpg. possible.

Teachers read more about zoomorphic design:

• IAMPETH: Rare Books on Calligraphy and Penmanship
• Celtic Interlace Designs
• Samples of Arabic and Persian Calligraphy from Yale University Library

German Fraktur Clip Art

Examples of Fraktur Motifs

German Fraktur Coloring Page.

Read the Terms of Use before downloading the following photographs and drawings. Click on the images in order to download the largest jpg. possible.

Teachers read more about fraktur history:

Fraktur Article by Nancy M. Landis

Fraktur, Folk Art & Family by Corinne and Russell Earnest

Fraktur exhibit showcases rare form of Valley cultural history by Hank Zimmerman

Civil War Era Artifacts

Read the Terms of Use before downloading the following photographs and drawings. Click on the images in order to download the largest jpg. possible. I will also include historic, political cartoon artifacts under their own category in the future. There are a few from the Civil War era here.

Dark lanterns were used at night by civil war soldiers.

A sample microscope from the late 1800s. This version is in Grant's Museum in St. Louis, Missouri.

Women wore pantaloons under their skirts during the Civil War.

Above is an example of a mourning broach worn in memory of a loved one who passed away. Mourning jewelry made from hair of the deceased was often worn during the civil war.

This bed warmer was used during the mid 1800s. People would fill the small drawer with hot coals slide it into the box and shut the small door. The heat would then rise through the holes in the top of the box that was kept either under a bed or under the feet of a person to generate warmth.

This is a very fine example of a civil war era candle mold. 

This is a very fancy butter, press mold depicting a cow, tree and field. Such items were very popular in the mid 1800s.

A school master's desk from the civil war era. The desk serves as both a podium and a work space. Teachers could either stand or sit on a tall stool while lecturing or observing students in the school house. Important papers could also be locked inside the desk for safer keeping.

Civil war era ink well.

"Sunday Toys" were played with quietly after church during the mid 1800s. This little Noah's ark with animals was carved in Germany and most likely brought to America by a German immigrant family during the 1800s.

People during the civil war frequently wore gloves. These examples are from Grant's Museum in St. Louis.

This sample Fraktur is typical of family records produced by German immigrants. This folk art tradition was practiced during both the 1700s and the 1800s. In fact, there are fraktur artists that produce family documents in our own century! This particular sample comes from the photo collections at Wikipedia.

Just after the Civil war, ladies wore bustles under their skirts to give themselves fashionable shapes.

These are tools used in a tannery from Grant's Museum in St. Louis. Ulysses Grant's father owned and operated a tannery. Grant worked for his father when he was very young but did not want to be a professional tanner himself.

A small leather "housewife" carried by a civil war soldier contained threads, needles and buttons for wardrobe emergencies, of course!

Candle lantern used during the 1800s; glass keeps the flame safe from the occasional breeze and the wardrobe safe from hazardous flames.

Biography of Nathaniel Lyon

Nathaniel Lyon, Commander of the Department of Missouri.

Nathaniel Lyon, an American general; born in Connecticut in 1819; graduated at West Point in 1841; was commissioned a captain ten years later, and in 1861 was appointed commander of the Department of Missouri. After winning several victories over the Confederates and gaining distinction as a brave and efficient commander, he was killed at the battle of Wilson's Creek, August 10, 1861.

General Lyon rides into battle.

The article comes from the Comprehensive Dictionary of Biography Containing Succinct Accounts of The Most Eminent Persons In All Ages, Countries, and Professions by Edward A. Thomas. Philadelphia: Porter & Coates. Copyright, By Porter & Coates. 1883.

Biography of John Charles Fremont

John Charles Fremont played a key role in Missouri's Civil War.

John Charles Fremont, an American explorer and general; born at Savannah, Georgia, January 21, 1813; was appointed professor of mathematics in the United States navy, and in 1839 was commissioned a lieutenant in the corps of Topographical Engineers. He commanded in 1843 an expedition through the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific, visited Great Salt Lake, and explored the sources of the Columbia River.  He was brevetted a captain in 1845, and was sent to make explorations in California, but was ordered to leave by the Mexicans. In 1846 he was again ordered to California, where he found the Mexican Governor preparing to attack the American settlements. He placed himself at the head of the settlers, and was by them chosen Governor of California. War was soon afterward declared between the United States and Mexico, the former sending forces under Com. Stockton and General Kearney to possession of California. Difficulties having arisen between these commanders, Fremont, who had meanwhile been promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, became a partisan of the former and refused to obey the orders of the latter, who was his superior officer. He was court-martialled for disobedience of orders and mutinous conduct, was found guilty, and was ordered to be dismissed from the service. This sentence was remitted by President Polk, but Fremont resigned his commission. In 1848 he fitted out at his own expense a large exploring expedition, with which he reached California in 1849. He was in 1856 nominated by the National Republican Convention for the Presidency. He received one hundred and fourteen electoral votes, while James Buchanan received one hundred and seventy-four and Millard Fillmore eight. At the commencement of the civil war Fremont was commissioned a major-general, served in Missouri and Western Virginia, and resigned his command in June, 1862. He was in 1877 appointed Governor of Arizona.

The article comes from the Comprehensive Dictionary of Biography Containing Succinct Accounts of The Most Eminent Persons In All Ages, Countries, and Professions by Edward A. Thomas. Philadelphia: Porter & Coates. Copyright, By Porter & Coates. 1883.

Biography of Thomas Hart Benton

Senator Thomas Hart Benton or "Old Bullion".

Thomas Hart Benton, an American statesman and political writer; born at Hillsborough, North Carolina, March 14, 1782; removed to Tennessee in early life; studied law, and commenced practice at the age of about twenty-nine. The next year he commanded a regiment under General Jackson, with whom he quarelled, and who, attempting to strike Benton with a horsewhip at Nashville in 1813, was severely wounded with a pistol by Benton's brother. Col. Benton removed soon after to St. Louis, Missouri, and commenced the publication of a political paper. He was elected in 1820 to the United States Senate, where he acted with the Democrats and became an adherent of General Jackson, and the leading politician of Missouri. He was re-elected to the Senate in 1826, and from his able advocacy of a gold and silver currency received the sobriquet of "Old Bullion." He supported Jackson in his opposition to the Bank of the United States; was in 1832 again re-elected to the Federal Senate, of which body he continued to be a member for thirty years. He became the political friend of Van Buren, favored in 1845 the annexation of Texas, and opposed Calhoun in his plans for nullification. A division having been created in the Democratic party on the question of slavery, Mr. Benton was defeated as Senator in 1850, and retired from that body in March, 1851. As a member of the National House of Representatives, to which he had been elected in 1852, he opposed the repeal of the Missouri Compromise. In 1856 he was the candidate of one section of the Democracy for Governor of Missouri, but was defeated. During that year he favored the election of Buchanan to the Presidency, in opposition to Fremont, who was his son-in-law. The most important of his works is A Thirty Years' View: or, A History of the Working of the American Government for Thirty Years, from 1820 to 1850. Died at Washington in April, 1858.

The article comes from the Comprehensive Dictionary of Biography Containing Succinct Accounts of The Most Eminent Persons In All Ages, Countries, and Professions by Edward A. Thomas. Philadelphia: Porter & Coates. Copyright, By Porter & Coates. 1883.

Biography of John Brown

John Brown of Ossawatomie.

John Brown, of Ossawatomie, was born at Torrington, Connecticut, in May, 1800. After residing for several years in Ohio and in Massachusetts and working at the trade of tanner and currier, he in 1855 removed to Kansas, where he became prominent by his active hostility to the pro-slavery party. His title of “Ossawatomie” was derived from a victory that he gained in August, 1856, as Ossawatomie, in Kansas, over a band of Missourians, under Henry Clay Pate, who was ten times more numerous than his own company. He is said to have formed the idea of becoming a liberator of American slaves as early as 1839. He convened, in May, 1859, a secret meeting of the friends of emancipation at Chatham, in Canada, where a plan for the invasion of Virginia and the liberation of slaves was agreed upon and perfected. In furtherance of this design, he rented the following July, a few miles from Harper’s Ferry, a farmhouse, where he laid in a supply of arms and ammunition; and on the night of October 16 of the same year, with a company of about twenty men, he surprised and captured Harper’s Ferry, with the arsenal and armory and over forty prisoners. He was attacked about noon on the day following by the Virginia militia and the United States marines. After two of his sons and most of his company had been killed and he himself several times wounded, he was made prisoner. He was tried in November, and was hung at Charlestown, Virginia, December 2, 1859.

John Brown descends the gallows on December 2, 1859.

The Address of John Brown to The Virginia Court

The article comes from the Comprehensive Dictionary of Biography Containing Succinct Accounts of The Most Eminent Persons In All Ages, Countries, and Professions by Edward A. Thomas. Philadelphia: Porter & Coates. Copyright, By Porter & Coates. 1883.