Jerry Costello "American Leadership" Roosevelt, Lincoln, Washington Orig Drawing

Title:
Original 1930s Political Cartoon by Jerry Costello – Satirizing FDR & Presidential Legacy

Description:
Original hand-drawn political cartoon by Jerry Costello, executed in bold black ink and white gouache on textured artist board measuring approximately 11" x 14". Signed by the artist in the lower right corner and marked in editorial pencil at the top with “3 col July 15,” suggesting it was slated for newspaper publication on July 15 (likely early-to-mid 1930s). The cartoon is titled “American Leadership”, and features portraits of five iconic presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Woodrow Wilson—framed in classical style at the top of the image.

In sharp contrast, Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) is shown standing awkwardly before the empty sixth frame, attempting to strike a similar presidential pose. However, his performance is undermined by the clutter of stage props labeled “Props – Democratic Party Theatricals Co.” Scattered around him are satirical items such as a “Mask to Scare Wall St.,” “Halo from Tammany,” “From Hearst,” and “From Garner & McAdoo.” The caption at the bottom reads, “But simply posing didn’t get them there,” suggesting FDR’s efforts to appear presidential fall short when compared to the genuine leadership of his predecessors. The composition and symbolism reflect Costello’s keen eye for political theatrics and the performative nature of campaign image-making.

Historical Context:
This cartoon was likely drawn during the early years of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency, possibly around 1933–1934, as he began implementing his New Deal programs amid widespread economic despair from the Great Depression. FDR’s reliance on populist messaging, media manipulation, and dramatic policy announcements drew criticism from some quarters—particularly conservative editorialists—who viewed him as more showman than statesman. This cartoon mocks those aspects, casting Roosevelt as someone attempting to “pose” his way into the pantheon of American leadership, unlike the more “earned” presence of Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, and others. The visual critique is pointed and steeped in the political skepticism that many editorial cartoonists brought to the early New Deal years.

The artist, Gerald “Jerry” Costello (1897–1971), was a respected American animator and editorial cartoonist best known for his work with the Knickerbocker News from 1922 to 1962. He began his career in animation, having worked for Walt Disney Studios and selling his first cartoon to Bray Productions in 1918—then home to animation pioneers Max and Dave Fleischer. Costello's political cartoons are defined by bold penwork, accessible satire, and sharp commentary, often focusing on themes such as political theatrics, corruption, and patriotism. His work is housed today in prestigious collections including the Library of Congress, Princeton University, and Columbia University, cementing his legacy as a critical voice in mid-20th-century political media.

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 visually engaging and historically biting original cartoon, this piece from Jerry Costello offers a critical early perspective on Franklin D. Roosevelt’s rise to national prominence. With its symbolic juxtaposition of genuine leadership versus theatrical performance, it provides rich context for collectors of political art, FDR-era commentary, and original editorial illustration from the interwar period.

Shipping Notice:
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