The Most Famous Political Cartoonist, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the political cartoonist you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 29, 2024 07:12

Political cartoons have long been a barometer of societal attitudes, distilling complex issues into impactful, often humorous illustrations. They provoke thought, stimulate debate, and encourage deeper engagement with current affairs. By ranking these influential artists, we gain an aggregated insight into which cartoonists have resonated most strongly with the public over time. This dynamic ranking serves not only as a recognition of artistic and intellectual contribution but also as a reflection of historical and cultural shifts. As users cast their votes, they actively participate in shaping how these cartoonists are viewed in the context of global media. It's an interactive way to honor the voices that have the power to influence public opinion and challenge the status quo.

Who Is the Most Famous Political Cartoonist?

1

54
votes

Napoleon Sarony · Public domain

Thomas Nast

Considered the "Father of the American Cartoon," Nast's political cartoons during the 19th century helped shape public opinion and influenced the outcome of elections. He is known for creating the Republican Party's elephant symbol and the Democratic Party's donkey symbol.
2

42
votes

Herblock

Herbert Block, who went by the pen name Herblock, was a political cartoonist for the Washington Post for over 50 years. His cartoons often criticized politicians and government policies, and he won three Pulitzer Prizes for his work.
3

29
votes

Fred Palumbo, World Telegram staff photographer · Public domain

Bill Mauldin

Mauldin was a cartoonist during World War II and is known for his depictions of soldiers, particularly those in the infantry. His characters Willie and Joe became beloved by soldiers and civilians alike. He also won two Pulitzer Prizes for his work.
4

8
votes

David Shankbone · CC BY 3.0

Garry Trudeau

Trudeau is the creator of the comic strip Doonesbury, which has been running since 1970. The strip often satirizes politics and current events, and Trudeau won a Pulitzer Prize for his work in 1975.
5

6
votes

Yousuf Karsh · CC BY-SA 3.0 nl

David Low

Low was a British political cartoonist during the early 20th century. His cartoons were known for their sharp wit and criticism of politicians, and he is credited with coining the term "Fifth Column" to describe domestic collaborators with enemy forces.
6

10
votes

Nadar · Public domain

Honore Daumier

Daumier was a French artist and political cartoonist during the 19th century. His caricatures often targeted the political and social elite of his time, and he is credited with helping to bring down King Louis-Philippe's government.
7

12
votes

Pat Oliphant

Oliphant is an Australian-born cartoonist who has won numerous awards for his work, including a Pulitzer Prize in 1967. His cartoons often target politicians and government policies, and he is known for his distinctive drawing style.
8

8
votes

Dave · CC BY-SA 2.0

Ralph Steadman

Steadman is a British artist and cartoonist who is known for his collaborations with author Hunter S. Thompson. His illustrations often feature grotesque and surreal imagery, and he has worked for publications such as Rolling Stone and The New Yorker.
9

12
votes

Jeff Danziger

Danziger is an American cartoonist who has worked for a number of publications, including The New York Times and The Washington Post. His cartoons often focus on politics and current events, and he has won numerous awards for his work.
10

5
votes

Steve Bell · Public domain

Steve Bell

Bell is a British political cartoonist who has worked for The Guardian since 1981. His cartoons often feature satirical depictions of politicians and public figures, and he is known for his distinctive drawing style.

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Ranking factors for famous political cartoonist

Influence and Reach

Assess the cartoonist's impact and influence on public opinion, political discourse, and social change. Consider the reach of their work, including the platforms on which their cartoons are published and the size of their audience.
Recognition and Awards

Consider any awards, honors, or recognition the cartoonist has received from reputable organizations and institutions within the field of political cartoons.
Satirical Skill and Wit

Consider the cartoonist's ability to effectively employ satire, wit, and humor in their illustrations to convey complex political ideas or critique individuals, ideologies, or institutions.
Social and Cultural Impact

Assess the impact of the cartoonist's work on society and culture, including whether they have provoked public discussion and debate, inspired other cartoonists, or even led to legislative or policy shifts.
Historical Importance

Consider whether the cartoonist's work has had a lasting impact on political cartooning as an art form, influencing future generations of cartoonists or shaping the overall history of political satire.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous political cartoonist. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Cartoonist is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1688 views
184 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Cartoonist once every 24 hours. The rank of each Cartoonist is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous political cartoonist

Political cartoonists have been using their artistic skills to convey political messages for centuries. They are known for their ability to use satire and humor to express their views on various social and political issues. Many of these cartoonists have become household names due to their impactful work and the influence they have had on public opinion. When it comes to the title of the most famous political cartoonist, there are several notable contenders. One such example is Thomas Nast, who is often credited with creating the modern image of Santa Claus and popularizing the use of the donkey and elephant to represent the Democratic and Republican parties, respectively. Another name that comes to mind is Herblock, who was a political cartoonist for The Washington Post for over 50 years. His work was known for its sharp criticism of politicians and for being a voice for social justice causes. Other famous political cartoonists include Pat Oliphant, who won a Pulitzer Prize for his work, and David Levine, who was known for his portraits of famous politicians and public figures. As you can see, there are many talented political cartoonists who have made a significant impact on society. Whether they use humor, satire, or biting criticism, their work has the power to shape public opinion and help us view the world from a different perspective.