Political
1916 Gasoline "rocketing" from 15 Cents to 23 Cents in a year ! Theodore Roosevelt Pen & Ink Political Artwork
1916-Dated as seen in the Flag of a car, Theodore Roosevelt Original Pen and Ink Drawing Political Cartoon Signed, "Norman" by artist Norman Ritchie, Hand-Titled "Leap Year," Choice Very Fine.
Vivid and excellent for display, this original Pen and Ink Drawing depicts Theodore Roosevelt "T.R." standing on the back of his Bull Moose Party. It measures 14.25" x 18.25" on a never folded crisp heavy artist sheet has three smaller cartoons. The one on the top shows gasoline prices, "rocketing" from .15 cents to .23 cents in a year. In the middle the GOP Politicians including Taft, are showing fear of Teddy Roosevelt's Bull Moose Party. A somewhat smaller cartoon box in the lower corner is about "Peace At Last" with a depiction of (Henry) Ford Leaping over his Detroit automobile factory mocking his "Desperate International Leap For Peace". Minor light edge tone and scattered artist pencil notes. Signed, "Norman" as the artist in rich black ink at lower center. Hand-Titled "Leap Year" in pencil within the top margin.
William Norman Ritchie (1867-1948) was a very influential political cartoonist and reporter during the late 19th and through first half of the 20th century. He worked for the Boston Post for over 50 years and his Political Satire Cartoons were published by newspapers all over the country. He had a close relationship with President Theodore Roosevelt and was acquaintances with President Calvin Coolidge.