Stolzer, Rob :: Cartoon Art

Rodney Thomson - Original Multi-Panel Collier's Magazine Cartoon - 1909

Artist: R.F. Thomson (All)

1 Comment - 112 Views - 0 Like

Rodney Thomson - Original Multi-Panel Collier's Magazine Cartoon - 1909 Comic Art

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Additional Images:

R.F. Thomson - Collier's Tearsheet

R.F. Thomson - Panel #3

R.F. Thomson - Panel #5

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Artwork Details

Title:	Rodney Thomson - Original Multi-Panel Collier's Magazine Cartoon - 1909
Artist:	R.F. Thomson (All)
Media Type:	Pen and Ink
Art Type:	Comic Strip
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	112
Likes on CAF:	0 1
Comments:	1
Added to Site:	3/12/2025
Comic Art Archive:

Description

I rarely ever go after artwork by cartoonists I've never heard of before, but when I saw this piece at the February 2025 Heritage pen & ink auction, I knew I'd want to go for it. The cartoon was drawn by Rodney (R.F.) Thomson (1878-1941) and appeared in the November 20, 1909 issue of Collier's magazine. The piece is a funny, albeit predictable narrative about woman approached by two suitors, both of whom she arranges to meet in the same location later on. Her true suitor arranged this, and as they ride past, you see the dejected look on the two spurned men. One year later and it's a different story.

I went for the piece because I thought it was simply a terrific example of cartooning. The pen work, with the variety of textures and line weight, is superb. And now, with thanks to historian/author Rick Marschall, I now have Thomson's story, added below my description.

I've included an image of the tearsheet, which has the text, as well as a couple of detail shots. The ink work is superb.

From the Murray A. Harris collection.

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ADDENDUM From Rick Marschall:

"The cartoonist is Rodney Thomson. (1878 San Francisco - 1941 NYC, where he moved in 1906). He was a cartoonist who was "seasoned" from the start -- compositions, shading, etc (despite the awkward depiction of a galloping horse here...) He drew a bit for Collier's, as here; for Vanity Fair and Life, but to me his most notable work was the weekly, superb illustrations for Puck in the mid-'teens. He illustrated serious running articles about American history and Jewish leaders in history (Nathan Straus, of Macy's, owned the magazine at this point). Pen and ink was his medium, although later in his career he produced great drypoint etchings, often nature and animal subjects. Thomson competed in the 1932 Summer Olympics -- when, believe it or not, painting was a a medal-winning category."

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About the Owner

	Rob Stolzer Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	September 2004
Last Login:	September 2025
Ebay Id:	robart
Website:	https://freeassociationfunnies.com/
Country:	UNITED STATES
On CAF:	Rob's Classifieds Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF Read More About RobStolzer

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Comments on this Artwork

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Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 3/12/2025

I like the cause and effect rhythm these panels have! Of course the ultimate revenge is your enemy having to settle down with his trophy wife that isn't as shiny as before.

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