Thomas Nast: Unknown Works and American Icons
November 5-26, 2014 |
In the new exhibition “Thomas Nast: Unknown Works and American Icons” Macculloch Hall Historical Museum (MHHM) displays an important collection of rarely
exhibited, virtually unknown works by the man whose art defined many of
America’s most popular icons: Santa Claus, Uncle Sam, the Democratic Donkey and the Republican Elephant. Previously unpublished oil paintings and watercolors, rarely seen pencil sketches, pen and ink drawings, and original architectural elements from the artist’s home will be among the objects presented in the exhibition. In addition to these and several never-before-exhibited pieces, some of Thomas Nast’s best-known characters are also on display.
Image courtesy of Stan Freeny
Thomas Nast (1840-1902) is one of the most recognized names in the world of political cartoons. Often called the father of American political cartooning, Nast’s
images remain popular today. His well-known depictions of the Democratic donkey and Republican elephant, conceived more than 100 years ago, continue to represent both parties. Uncle Sam and Columbia, two of his favorite figures to draw, are still recognized as symbols for the United States of America. His spirit lives on through his iconic representations of Santa Claus. The classic images which Nast popularized of the jolly old elf still appear on a variety of surfaces each year during the holiday season, and Nast’s Civil War images of the battlefront and home front were powerful tools for bringing the war into people’s homes.
Pencil sketches of Thomas Nast’s family from his early years as well as paintings he
created toward the end of his life around 1900 will be on display. Nast worked with a variety of mediums as well as producing images not just of political life, but social as well. He drew images of famous people of the time as well as his own family life. He even enjoyed putting his own image down on paper as can be seen by the variety of self-portraits exhibited. Among the objects featured from Nast’s home are his personal glass ink well and a testimonial silver canteen that was presented to him by the men of the Army and Navy which was presented to Thomas Nast by his “Friends in the Army & Navy of the U.S.”. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum holds the largest collection of original works by Thomas Nast, which has expanded through donations and acquisition since its last major exhibit of Nast material. “Thomas Nast: Unknown Works and American Icons” will be open through June 25th 2015.
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum preserves the history of the Macculloch-Miller families, the Morris area community, and the legacy of its founder W. Parsons Todd
through its historic site, collections, exhibits, and educational and cultural programs. The Museum is open for house tours and gallery visits on Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. The last tour leaves at 3pm. Adults $8; Seniors & Students $6; Children 6 – 12 $4. Members and children under 5 are free. The Museum is closed Thursday November 27th through Sunday November 30th for the Thanksgiving holiday. Tours will resume on Wednesday December 3rd. Call (973) 538-2404 ext. 10, visit maccullochhall.org or find us on Facebook. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, 45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum is a nonprofit educational affiliate of the W. Parsons Todd Foundation.
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Website:
www.maccullochhall.org |
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| Location Information |
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Macculloch Hall Historical Museum |
45 Macculloch Avenue
Morristown, NJ 07960 |
| Website:
www.maccullochhall.org |
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| Contact Information |
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Ryan Hyman |
| Email:
rhyman@maccullochhall.org |
| Phone:
973-538-2404 |
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