Lot 23

Eisenhower Secures Nomination! Fantastic Hand-Drawn Artwork by Jerry Costello, Former Disney Artist!

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Eisenhower Secures Nomination! Fantastic Hand-Drawn Artwork by Jerry Costello, Former Disney Artist!

Estimate: $300 - $400

Starting Bid: $100

(0 Bids)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Dwight Eisenhower
n.p., n.d.
Eisenhower Secures Nomination! Fantastic Hand-Drawn Artwork by Jerry Costello, Former Disney Artist!
Art

Original hand-drawn political cartoon by illustrator Jerry Costello, executed in black graphite with white gouache highlights on textured artist's board. The board exhibits minor edge wear and light corner creasing consistent with age and handling, some notes and mounting remnants on verso, but the artwork remains clean, strong, and visually striking. As typical with original graphite drawings that have not been chemically fixed, some light graphite transfer may occur if the surface is handled directly. The artwork measures 10.5" x 14.5".

The illustration humorously depicts Dwight D. Eisenhower ("IKE") and Senator Robert A. Taft ("TAFT") shaking hands beneath a radiant Republican elephant emblem, symbolizing party unity. The caption at the bottom reads: "REPUBLICAN CAMPAIGN PLANS FOR NOV. VICTORY." A tissue paper protective sheet flips over the artwork that reads: "ONE WAR IS OVER! / Friday Sept 5."

This cartoon references the 1952 Republican presidential campaign, when Dwight D. Eisenhower and Senator Robert A. Taft were rivals for the Republican nomination. Taft, known as "Mr. Republican," represented the conservative wing of the party, while Eisenhower emerged as the internationalist candidate with broad public appeal.

After Eisenhower secured the Republican nomination at the 1952 Republican National Convention, party unity became essential for victory in the general election. Taft ultimately endorsed Eisenhower, helping consolidate Republican support. The imagery of a handshake under the Republican elephant symbolizes reconciliation and strategic unity heading into the November election. Eisenhower went on to win the presidency in November 1952, marking the first Republican presidential victory since 1928 and ushering in a new era of Cold War leadership.

The cartoon is the work of Gerald "Jerry" Costello (1897-1971), a prolific American animator and editorial cartoonist best known for his long tenure at the Knickerbocker News, where he worked from 1922 until his retirement in 1962. Before his career in political cartooning, Costello had worked briefly at Walt Disney Studios and sold his first animated cartoon to Bray Productions in 1918 - a company notable for employing animation pioneers Max and Dave Fleischer. His editorial cartoons are celebrated for their bold pen strokes and lucid political commentary, often communicated through razor-sharp satire. Costello's recurring themes included foreign threats to democracy (particularly Communism), political corruption, and patriotic values. His style made his work instantly recognizable on op-ed pages across the country. Today, his legacy endures through curated collections at the Library of Congress, Princeton University, and Columbia University, where his original works are preserved and exhibited.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 10.5" x 14.5"
  • Medium: Art

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