Cartoon

A cartoon is a versatile form of visual art. It is typically created in an unrealistic or semi-realistic style. The term has two primary modern meanings. First, it refers to images used for humor, satire, or caricature. Second, it describes motion pictures that use sequences of illustrations to create animation. People who create humorous drawings are called cartoonists. Those who create moving images are usually called animators.

The history of the cartoon begins in the Middle Ages. During this time, a cartoon was a preparatory drawing. Artists used these full-size designs as a modello for larger works. These works included paintings, frescoes, tapestries, or stained glass windows. To make these, artists used strong, heavy paper or sturdy pasteboard.

In fine art, cartoons served a very specific technical purpose. For example, artists used them to create frescoes on damp plaster. They needed to link different parts of a composition accurately over several days. One method used was called pouncing. An artist would prick small holes along the design's outlines. They then held the cartoon against a wall and patted a bag of soot over it. This left black dots on the plaster to guide the painter.

In the 19th century, the meaning of the word shifted toward mass media. In 1843, Punch magazine began using the term for satirical drawings. This was actually an ironic use of the word at first. These drawings parodied the grand preparatory cartoons used for historical frescoes. Famous illustrators like Sir John Tenniel joined Punch in 1850. He contributed over two thousand cartoons during his fifty-year career.

Modern print cartoons are divided into several distinct types. Gag cartoons include single-panel drawings with a caption or speech balloon. Some people, like Peter Arno, are considered the fathers of the modern gag cartoon. Editorial cartoons are more serious and are mostly found in news publications. These use visual metaphors to comment on social or political topics. Comic strips are short series of illustrations shown in sequence. In the United States, these are often called comics or funnies.

Political cartoons act as illustrated editorials to provide commentary on events. They often use satire to offer subtle criticism of leaders. In the 18th century, James Gillray became a major exponent of this style in London. He used his work to ridicule King George III and Napoleon. Later, in the mid-19th century, Thomas Nast used his art for major social change. He drew 160 cartoons targeting the criminal Tweed machine in New York City. His work was so effective that police identified Tweed from his drawings.

Cartoons have also moved into the world of books and science. In the 1930s, American comic books emerged as a popular magazine format. In Britain, publishers like DC Thomson created famous titles like The Dandy and The Beano. Some cartoonists even focus on technical subjects. For instance, the cartoon Wonderlab explored life in a chemistry lab. Others, like Sidney Harris, create work specifically for science and mathematics.

Finally, the term cartoon is closely linked to the field of animation. Animation is the process of showing illustrated images in rapid succession. This creates the illusion of movement for the viewer. Because early animated films looked like print cartoons, the names became linked. Today, the word often describes television programs aimed at children. These frequently feature superheroes, child protagonists, or anthropomorphized animals.