Study for cartoon "Welcome in the Year 1917"

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Winsor McCay, a pioneering American cartoonist and (1869–1934), created this *Study for cartoon "Welcome the Year 1917 in 1916 as a preparatory sketch focusing on figures. Best known for his innovative comic like *Little Nemo inumberland* and early animated films such as *Gertie the Dinosaur (1914), McCay blended meticulous draftsmanship with imaginative storytelling. This work, housed in the Smithsonian American Art, captures his skill in rendering dynamic human forms likely designed for a New Year's editorial cartoon amid the uncertainties of World War, as the U.S. edged toward involvement in 1917. The medium—emphasizing figure studies—highlights McCay's technique of detailed, expressive poses that brought life to newsprint pages. His cartoons often appeared in major newspapers like Joseph Pulitzer's *New York World*, where he pioneered multi-panel layouts and optical illusions. This piece reflects the era's blend of optimism and tension, welcoming a pivotal year with McCay's signature whimsy and precision. Acquired through a museum purchase funded by Mrs. R.M. Hunt's gift, it offers a glimpse into the creative process behind McCay's influential work, bridging comics, animation, and cultural commentary. Visitors will appreciate how such studies fueled his groundbreaking contributions to American visual storytelling.