Christmas, 1863
New York: Harper's Weekly, 1863.
Double-page print. Image measures 20.5" x 14"
This two-page print features six vignettes of Christmastime during the American Civil War. The largest and central image shows a man returning from war on furlough for Christmas, embracing his wife and child while children in the background stare worriedly at the soldier's uniform on the floor. The cartoon subtly evokes the effect of war on children and women at home. A nativity scene appears in the bottom left corner. In good condition, with four small binding holes around centerfold.
Thomas Nast was a political cartoonist and illustrator; credited with devising elephant and donkey symbols of Republican and Democratic parties, and with creating American image of Santa Claus. He largely featured Catholicism and the papacy in Rome, Irish-Americans, and corrupt Democratic politicians (namely Boss Tweed and the Tammany Hall institution). This is a great example of his work.
Binding: Unbound
Language: English
Price: $300.00
Item #328244