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The Benodellocinch / K. - Political cartoon, public domain image

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The Benodellocinch / K. - Political cartoon, public domain image

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Summary

Illustration shows Benjamin B. Odell with two heads as he acts in the capacity of "Governor" of New York and as "Chairman Rep. State Com." with the governor side wielding a quill pen labeled "Veto Power" over papers labeled "Legislative favors" and the chairman side holding out a tin cup labeled "Campaign Contributions".

Caption: The latest thing in political monstrosities.
Illus. in: Puck, v. 55, no. 1415 (1904 April 13), cover.
Copyright 1904 by Keppler & Schwarzmann.

It wasn't really until the 1700s that caricature truly blossomed as a form of political criticism. In the late 1750s, a man named Thomas Townshend began using the techniques employed by earlier engravers and applying them towards a political model. This gave Thompson's cartoons a much greater feeling of propaganda than previous artistic critiques of the time. The intense political climate of the period, and often accusatory nature of most political cartoons forced many artists to use pseudonyms in order to avoid accusations of libel. Other artists took it a step farther, and left their cartoons completely unsigned, foregoing any credit they may have received. Political higher-ups were notoriously touchy about their reputations and were not afraid to make examples of offenders. Puck was the first successful humor magazine in the United States of colorful cartoons, caricatures and political satire of the issues of the day. It was published from 1871 until 1918.

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Date

01/01/1904
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Contributors

Keppler, Udo J., 1872-1956, artist
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Source

Library of Congress
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Copyright info

No known restrictions on publication.

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