Thomas Nast Political Cartoons Still Unusual Today in a Visual World

Nast was perhaps the most important political cartoonist of American history.

Tammany Hall beware.

UPDATED 1/17/14

Nast was perhaps the most important political cartoonist of American history.  This article is a gallery of some of his most interesting cartoons most of which were published in Harper’s Weekly.  Wikipedia has some interesting information about Nast:

Thomas Nast (September 27, 1840 – December 7, 1902) was a German-born American caricaturist and editorial cartoonist who is considered to be the “Father of the American Cartoon”. He was the scourge of Boss Tweed and the Tammany Hall political machine. Among his notable works were the creation of the modern version of Santa Claus and the political symbol of the elephant for the Republican Party. Contrary to popular belief, Nast did not create Uncle Sam (the male personification of the American people), Columbia (the female personification of American values), or the Democratic donkey, though he did popularize these symbols through his art.

Nast’s signature:

Also take a look at Democracy Chronicles’ Political Art section for more political cartoons.