Cartoons

 

Cartoon

The concept of a cartoon originated in the Middle Ages (a blanket term for the period lasting from the 5^th to the late 15^th centuries) It described a preliminary drawing on strong card for works like stained glass windows, frescoes, tapestries, or some other form of artistic expression.

The cartoon, from the Italian cartone or the Dutch karton for strong paper or pasteboard, is a full-size drawing. In practices like weaving, the cartoon is given to the weaver as a chart or guide for the work to be produced.

For frescoes or paintings, pinpricks can be made along the outlines of a design. Then coloured powder (originally soot was used) is dusted or ‘pounced’ over the cartoon to leave precise dotted guidelines.

Cartoons by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael are greatly prized masterpieces.

Jan Yoors working on a cartoon for a tapestry now in the J.P. Morgan art collection

Image courtesy Wikimedia Commos

In its common modern usage, cartoon has two main meanings. The first refers to a drawing or caricature, often of a prominent figure. Caricature was first used in early 17^th century Italy. It is known for exaggerating notable features of its subjects. The concept of caricature was introduced to 18^th century England by rich aristocratic young men returning from the ‘Grand Tour,’ which was intended to complete their education.

Modern cartoons satirise political personalities or ‘celebrities’ and often refer to recent pronouncements or faux pas. Others are used in comic strips, like Garfield or Tottering-by-Gently.

The second main meaning of cartoon attaches to a series of animated images like SpongeBob SquarePants or Paw Patrol.

Artists producing comic strip or other non-animated cartoons are called cartoonists. Those producing cartoon films are known as animators. All have particular talents and idiosyncratic styles.