Artwork from the JSP Estate/Private Collection
Nationality
American
Artist Dates
1871-1934
Title of Work
Hope - The New Year 1931
Preview
Date of Work
ca. 1931
Medium
Hand-colored lithograph
Signature
Lower right
Height
14"
Width
16"
Collection/Provenance
Art & Design Study Collection: James Smith Pierce Collection
Status
Stored: 234 JSP Box 1, S7D
Location
UND Art Collections Repository
Artist Bio
Charles Raymond Macauley was a freelance cartoonist and illustrator born in 1871 in Canton, Ohio. Macauley drew political cartoons for many Ohio based newspapers before moving on to New York newspapers, and eventually winning a Pulitzer Prize in 1930. Besides his political cartoons, he is best known for his illustrated novels that he wrote, and early screenplays.
Additional Information
The original 'Hope' painting was created by George Frederic Watts (English, 1817-1904). This work was created by American political cartoonist Charles R. Macauley. In the work, he appropriates Watts' original concept and makes it relevant to his own time period by adding text on the ladder and female. "1931" and "Humanity". After the stock market crash of 1929, Americans experienced widespread poverty and unemployment during what is called The Great Depression. This work is likely representative of the artist's hopes for the nation's recovery, which wouldn't happen for nearly a decade.
Condition
Fair
Condition Notes
Top right, bottom left and right - dog eared, Tears: 2 of right edge and left edge. Darkening or bleaching from prolonged exposured to ultraviolet and/or heat from sun or artificial light. Folds and bedning of right side.