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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Cartoon Drawing
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Cartoon Drawing

Artifact ID1966.64.206
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (United States, 1883 - 1972)
Gifter
Date 1966
Medium Ink on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 5 5/8 in x W 7 1/8 in (14.3 cm x 18.1 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A painting (identifiable as Thomas Nast) says, "Do it L.B.J." to LBJ. LBJ is sitting at a desk with papers in his hands as he looks over his shoulder. A small figure of a man (identifiable as the artist Knecht) stands on a chair and says of Nast: "The Gran' Daddy o' us all!" Centered: "For a National Center of the Cartoon and Graphic Arts". Artist signature lower right: "Karl Kae Knecht Editorial Cartoonist The courier Evansville, Ind Since 1906."
Historical NoteDuring Lyndon Johnson’s presidency, several cartoonists sent him letters urging him to establish a National Cartoon Center, a museum of political cartoons, comic books, newspaper comics, animation, and other cartoons. No permanent museum was ever established, but a few exhibits were produced by a Museum of Graphic Arts in New York City in 1968. Thomas Nast was a 19th century cartoonist credited for popularizing the Democrat donkey, Uncle Sam, and Columbia, and he created the Republican elephant and the modern version of Santa Claus.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to President Johnson during his term in office. It was received by President Johnson personally, until the President donated it to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1970.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 189698395)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. The LBJ Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Person Referenced Thomas Nast (German-born American, 1840 - 1902)
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Credit
Evansville
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