Boardman Robinson
(American, 1876-1952)
Release, 1941
Ink wash on paper, 12-1/2” x 19”
Art Purchase Committee
63.3
The ink and wash technique seen here was developed by Boardman Robinson when he illustrated and drew cartoons for newspapers and periodicals in the early 20th century. Robinson was strongly against America’s involvement in World War I and his cartoons were often overtly political in nature. He was even accused, though never convicted, by the Federal Government of violating the Espionage Act. Given the year this work was created (1941), one is tempted to interpret it as a critique of the Second World War. If one leans their head to the right while squinting, a larger portrait of a young girl emerges.