Disney Artist Jerry Costello Mao Zedong Cold War Original Political Drawing

Title:
Original 1950s Political Cartoon by Jerry Costello – Mao Zedong, China, and the Formosa Crisis

Description:
Original hand-drawn political cartoon by Jerry Costello, executed in bold black ink, graphite, and white gouache on heavy artist board measuring approximately 11" x 14". Signed in the lower right corner. The composition powerfully depicts Mao Zedong, labeled “MAO,” with his silhouette forming the shape of mainland China, gazing sorrowfully at the small, distant island of Formosa (modern-day Taiwan), represented here by a lone fish leaping out of the surrounding sea. A prominent hammer and sickle symbol in the upper left associates Mao with global Communism. Tears stream from Mao’s eye into the waters dividing China and Formosa, visually underscoring the geopolitical and ideological rift. The cartoon’s heavy shading, dramatic facial lines, and sparse symbolism communicate a clear Cold War-era message of longing, frustration, and unfulfilled territorial ambition.

Historical Context:
This cartoon was drawn during the height of the First Taiwan Strait Crisis (1954–1955), a tense moment in early Cold War geopolitics when the People’s Republic of China (PRC), under Chairman Mao Zedong, sought to assert its claim over the island of Formosa (Taiwan). After the Chinese Civil War ended in 1949, the defeated Nationalist government (Kuomintang) under Chiang Kai-shek fled to Taiwan and maintained it as the seat of the Republic of China, with support from the United States. Mao's regime considered Formosa a “renegade province,” but U.S. naval power in the region, especially the U.S. Seventh Fleet, prevented a full-scale invasion.

The cartoon reflects both Mao’s frustrated ambitions to reclaim the island and the strategic symbolism of Formosa in the broader East–West conflict. The tearful rendering of Mao suggests Costello’s satirical take on Communist China’s inability to bring Taiwan under its control—portraying the situation not as a military standoff but a bitter emotional defeat.

The artist, Gerald “Jerry” Costello (1897–1971), was a renowned American editorial cartoonist and animator who worked for the Knickerbocker News from 1922 to 1962. He previously worked with Walt Disney Studios and sold his first animated cartoon to Bray Productions in 1918. Costello’s cartoons are distinguished by bold penwork, rich symbolism, and sharp Cold War commentary, particularly on issues involving Communism, U.S. foreign policy, and global ideological struggle. His original works are housed in collections at the Library of Congress, Princeton University, and Columbia University, reflecting his legacy as a chronicler of American political sentiment in the mid-20th century.

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:
An emotionally charged and visually commanding Cold War-era cartoon, this original artwork by Jerry Costello captures a pivotal moment in U.S.-China-Taiwan relations. With its stark symbolism and historical resonance, it’s an exceptional piece for collectors of anti-Communist Americana, original editorial art, or Cold War political commentary.

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.