Full-length Portrait of Thomas Nast with Two Caricatures

Art Historical Context

This charming photograph, titled *Full-Length Portrait of Thomas Nast with Two Caratures* (ca. 1888), captures the renowned American political cartoonist Thomas Nast a full-length pose, playfully juxtaposed with two of his own satirical drawings. Measuring just 5 7/16 × 3 5/8 inches, this intimate print exemplifies late 19th-century photographic portraiture, blending realism with whimsy to honor Nast's legacy as a master of caricature. Thomas Nast, often called the "Father of American Cartoon," rose to fame in the 1860s and 1870s through his biting illustrations in *Harper's Weekly*. His work shaped public opinion during the Civil War, exposed Tammany Hall corruption via his iconic "Boss" Tweed cartoons, and popularized enduring symbols like the Democratic donkey and Republican elephant. By 1888, this self-referential image reflects Nast's reflective later years, showcasing his artistic prowess amid a career that influenced modern editorial cartooning. Donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1933 by Nast's children—Thomas Nast Jr., Mabel Nast Crawford, and Cyril Nast—this piece from the Drawings and Prints department offers a personal glimpse into the life of a cultural trailblazer, bridging photography's documentary precision with the expressive power of caricature.

About the Artist

Thomas Nast · 1840–1902

Thomas Nast (1840–1902) was the most powerful political cartoonist in American history, an artist whose images shaped public opinion, toppled corrupt politicians, and gave enduring visual form to some of the most cherished symbols of American popular culture. Born in Landau, Germany, he emigrated with his family to New York as a child and received his artistic training at the National Academy of D...