Political
The History of Political Cartoons
Did you know that the history of political cartoons can be traced back to the 16th century?
One of the earliest known examples is attributed to the German artist Lucas Cranach the Elder, who used satirical drawings to criticize the Catholic Church during the Protestant Reformation.
However, it wasn’t until the 18th century that political cartoons truly began to flourish, with the advent of mass printing techniques making them widely accessible.
Famed artist James Gillray, often dubbed the father of the political cartoon, wielded his pen to lampoon the British monarchy and government in the late 1700s.
His sharp wit and keen eye for the absurd were instrumental in shaping public opinion, demonstrating the potent blend of art and commentary that defines the genre to this day.
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