Disney Artist Jerry Costello "Eisenhower & Truman '52 Race" Original Drawing

Title:
1952 Original Political Cartoon by Jerry Costello – Featuring Adlai Stevenson & Harry Truman

Description:
Original hand-drawn political cartoon by illustrator Jerry Costello, executed in black ink with white gouache highlights on textured artist’s board measuring approximately 11" x 14". Signed in the lower right, the cartoon satirizes the 1952 U.S. presidential election, portraying Adlai Stevenson as a jockey riding a horse labeled “’52 Race” with Harry S. Truman standing alongside in a coat marked “Elder Statesman Harry.” A sign above Stevenson reads “Adlai – Up,” a clever twist on the horse-racing phrase “rider up,” symbolizing his late but prominent entrance into the Democratic campaign. The artwork is sharp, with clean linework, expressive caricatures, and visible editorial correction marks in white, indicative of its original production use—likely published or submitted for syndication.

Historical Context:
This piece captures the momentous 1952 U.S. presidential campaign in which President Harry S. Truman, after nearly eight years in office, chose not to seek re-election and instead threw his support behind Adlai Stevenson, then Governor of Illinois. Stevenson, known for his intellect and rhetorical flair, reluctantly accepted the Democratic nomination and became the party’s standard-bearer in an election ultimately won by Dwight D. Eisenhower. The cartoon portrays Truman as the seasoned “elder statesman” handing over the reins, reflecting both his continued influence in the Democratic Party and the symbolic transfer of leadership to a new generation.

The cartoon is the work of Gerald "Jerry" Costello (1897–1971), a prolific American animator and editorial cartoonist best known for his long tenure at the Knickerbocker News, where he worked from 1922 until his retirement in 1962. Before his career in political cartooning, Costello had worked briefly at Walt Disney Studios and sold his first animated cartoon to Bray Productions in 1918—a company notable for employing animation pioneers Max and Dave Fleischer. His editorial cartoons are celebrated for their bold pen strokes and lucid political commentary, often communicated through razor-sharp satire. Costello's recurring themes included foreign threats to democracy (particularly Communism), political corruption, and patriotic values. His style made his work instantly recognizable on op-ed pages across the country. Today, his legacy endures through curated collections at the Library of Congress, Princeton University, and Columbia University, where his original works are preserved and exhibited.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
N/A

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
A historically rich and visually impactful piece, this original 1952 Jerry Costello cartoon offers a sharp snapshot of a pivotal American election, rendered by one of the most insightful editorial cartoonists of the 20th century. With its clean execution, signed provenance, and connection to both Stevenson and Truman, this artwork will appeal to collectors of political Americana, Cold War–era commentary, and original illustration from the golden age of newspaper cartoons.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.