The first president to be the brunt of illustrated political satire was Thomas Jefferson, over his problems with Spain and the territory of West Florida. As there was no color printing at the time, copper engravings had to be hand-colored by teams of watercolor artists, usually women. The print runs were usually a few hundred and went on until the engraving plates wore out. By the 1840’s, copper had been mostly replaced with steel, which was far more durable.
The first magazine to feature political satirical illustration was in 1832, when Andrew Jackson was lampooned in a series of wood-cuts in the thirteen issues of the United States Telegraph Extra (Thanks here to the encyclopedically knowledgable Richard West.)
This is known as a “campaign periodical” a tradition that began in earnest in 1828, whereupon short duration newspapers and magazines were issued in support of a political candidacy. The genre flourished in the 19th century and lasted well into the 20th. For further reading See: The People’s Voice. An Annotated Bibliography of American Presidential Campaign Newspapers, 1828-1984, by William Miles, Greenwood Press, 1987.
Even Abe Lincoln could not escape the sting of the engraver’s burin. This one of my favorite treasures. Dated January 1865, the title is ten words long when you count the rebus of an awl.
Wielding the whip is the colorful and controversial Benjamin Butler, remembered best for his unsuccessful military career and as the driving force behind the impeachment of Andrew Johnson.
How can I talk about presidents and not mention FDR? He must have really got a kick out of this particular mockery, which pictures him running - something he could only dream of after 1921. During his presidency, FDR’s airtight control of the press was such that not a single image nor photograph appeared that showed him as physically comprised.
Laugh a little- it helps!
Periodically yours,
SL
Great likenesses! Detailed drawings!