The New Yorker, renowned for its witty and insightful cartoons, has long used humor to explore complex topics, including money. This article delves into the world of “Cartoons About Money” as depicted in the magazine, examining how these visual satires reflect our relationship with finance. From the early years of The New Yorker to the present day, cartoonists have cleverly captured the anxieties, absurdities, and aspirations associated with wealth, poverty, and everything in between.
The Seiden Collection: A Treasury of Financial Humor
The Morgan Library & Museum’s exhibition, “On the Money: Cartoons for The New Yorker,” showcases a vast collection of cartoons specifically focused on money. Drawn from the Melvin R. Seiden collection, these works represent a significant portion of the magazine’s history, offering a unique lens through which to view societal attitudes towards finance. Seiden’s collection, numbering nearly 1,500 pieces, complements the Morgan’s existing holdings on satire and humor, creating a comprehensive archive of comedic commentary spanning centuries.
A Legacy of Cartoon Commentary on Money
The New Yorker’s cartoons about money follow a rich tradition of satirical art dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Artists like James Gillray and Honoré Daumier, whose works are well-represented in the Morgan’s collection, paved the way for modern cartoonists to critique contemporary society. The New Yorker, since its inception in 1925, has provided a platform for this tradition to flourish, allowing artists to dissect the American cultural landscape with wit and precision.
Money as a Mirror: Reflecting Social and Cultural Trends
The cartoons in “On the Money” explore a wide range of financial themes, from the personal to the political. Issues like inheritance, real estate, and the ever-present anxieties of economic booms and busts provide fodder for humorous observation. These drawings not only entertain but also serve as a reflection of societal norms and anxieties surrounding money. Whether depicting the struggles of paying taxes or the excesses of the wealthy, these cartoons offer a poignant commentary on the human condition.
The Art of the Cartoon: Crafting Financial Humor
The exhibition highlights the artistic skill involved in creating a successful cartoon. The process of drafting, revising, and perfecting a humorous vignette is revealed through the displayed works. The crucial role of the cartoon editor is also emphasized, with examples of editorial suggestions and correspondence between artists and editors showcasing the collaborative effort behind each published piece. The exhibition even includes portraits of the cartoonists by photographer Anne Hall, adding a personal touch to the display.
A Timeless Relevance: Cartoons About Money Today
The enduring appeal of The New Yorker’s cartoons about money lies in their ability to transcend specific time periods. While the economic landscape may change, the fundamental human anxieties and aspirations surrounding money remain constant. These cartoons continue to resonate with viewers today, provoking laughter and reflection on our own relationship with finance. The artists featured in “On the Money,” including Charles Barsotti, George Booth, and Roz Chast, have created a body of work that continues to amuse and engage audiences.
The humor found in these “cartoons about money” provides a valuable perspective on the often-serious world of finance, reminding us that even in the face of economic uncertainty, there’s always room for a good laugh.
