THOMAS NAST ADVISES A CARTOONIST

NAST, THOMAS.  (1840-1902).  American cartoonist and caricaturist, known for his drawings during the American Civil War and Reconstruction periods.  Manuscript Letter Signed, “Th. Nast”, on ruled, blind-embossed Francis & Loutrel Extra Superfine stationery.  One page, octavo.  “New York, West 125th St. near 5th Ave.”, January 27, 1870.  Very fine condition.  To the Reverend Honorable John Baker.  Nast writes:

 

“Dear Sir, I have just received your note.  It is impossible for me to give any opinion, about the best course of instructions to be pursued in the case you mention, without some sort of knowledge of the kind of talent manifested.  If you should enclose a sketch or two, ever so rough, and send one by mail, I could then see at a glance, what the indications are, and should judge accordingly.  Yours truly, Th. Nast”. 

 

In 1870, Nast was staff cartoonist for Harper’s Weekly.  From 1869 to 1872, he drew a series of political cartoons concerning the corrupt Tweed Ring of New York City.  In those illustrations, he introduced the symbol of the elephant for the Republican Party and the donkey for the Democratic Party, both which are still used to represent the two parties today.                                                                                                                 

 

$750.00