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The Art of an Editorial Cartoonist:
Herbert Block, who celebrated more than 55 years at The Washington Post from 1946 to 2001, was recognized around the world as the foremost American political cartoonist of his time. "The political cartoon is not a news story and not an oil portrait," he explained, but is "essentially a means for poking fun, for punctuating pomposity and for offering criticism." With searing incisiveness, brilliant humor and relentless passion for his craft, Herblock sized up history by pen-pointing the players and events with stunning insight and impact.
In these iconic examples of his work, Herblock showed why his unique commentary was as lasting as his wit and his magic ability to clarify. Woven always into the ridicule and caricature was Herblock's unwavering belief in freedom, democracy, fairness and honest public service.
Herblock believed the political cartoon should have a view to express "some purpose beyond the chuckle." His editorial page cartoon in The Post reflected his personal opinion, like a column or other signed article. It was his primary medium, but as top writers of opinion discovered and admired, Herbert Block was also a master wordsmith -- author of twelve books that underscored his standing as a leading historian of his day.
While words and pictures are different forms of commentary, Herb would note, the test of each "is whether it gets at the essential truth." And there was never a shortage of subjects:
"If the time should come when political figures and all the rest of us sprout angel wings, there will still be differing views about the best way to flap wings -- or about the value of detergents guaranteed to wash those wings whiter than ever. And there will still be something funny about a halo that's worn a little askew.
"When that happy heaven-on-earth day comes I'd still like to be drawing cartoons. I don't want to see any head angel throwing his weight around."
-- Robert L. Asher and Jean Rickard |