As an editorial cartoonist, I am drawn to Study of Putti by the master draftsman Annibale Carracci, on view in “Marks of Genius,” for two reasons.
Annibale Carracci (Italy, 1560–1609), Study of Putti, c. 1598-1602, black chalk on blue paper laid down on a Richardson mount. The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fund 2013.44.1.
First, I always love seeing the sketches and working drawings of great artists. In fact, I largely prefer these to the seeing the finished artwork. This is because the sketches seem more approachable, more human. You can often see the artist’s brain at work as they try to find the precise location of each line and even see (gasp!) some mistakes they make in the process. When you later observe the finished painting/sculpture you then can plot the magnificent journey from the development of the early sketches to the finished product.
The second reason why I have chosen my good friend Carracci is that he coined the best ever quote to describe the art of caricature—this is a world, after all, in which I am well versed, having published more than 8,000 cartoons, most including a biting caricature. I have always believed in the epic power of caricature to take faces beyond where portraiture could go. For example, I believe Picasso was a portrait caricaturist. Carracci said it truthfully: “A good caricature… is more true to life than reality itself.” Amen.
Kevin Kallaugher (KAL) is the international award-winning editorial cartoonist for The Economist magazine of London and The Baltimore Sun. In a distinguished career than spans 35 years, KAL has created over 8,000 cartoons and 140 magazine covers. His resumé includes six collections of his published work, one man exhibitions in six countries, international honors and awards in seven. In 1999, The World Encyclopedia of Cartoons said of Kevin, “Commanding a masterful style, Kallaugher stands among the premier caricaturists of the (twentieth) century.”
Thursday, September 18, at 6:30 p.m., come watch Kevin (KAL) Kallaugher as he puts the finished touches on a topical editorial cartoon on the week’s news during the final “The Artist Is In.” Visitors will see the full process from the initial rough sketches through to the finished fully inked cartoon. Kal will discuss and demonstrate the skills of caricature, composition and computers as employed in his award-winning cartoons in The Economist and The Baltimore Sun. Free with admission to “Marks of Genius.”