This may be the earliest Jimmy Swinnerton (1875-1974) original that I’ve ever run across. The political cartoon is circa 1895/96, from Swinnerton's time at the San Francisco Examiner. Pictured is future President McKinley and Mark Hanna, known as “The Kingmaker” because of the power he wielded in politics. Swinnerton was 20 or 21 years old at the time and was still a bit rough around the edges. You can also see just how much he influenced he was by Homer Davenport's work, but it makes sense, given that they worked for the same newspaper. And it was Davenport that popularized that famous plaid suit of Hanna's, though Davenport's was decorated with dollar signs. Swinnerton’s work in general has become quite uncommon over the years, and this is the first political cartoon by him that I’ve ever owned. The piece measures 16”x 13½”. The condition is solidly VG. You can see a bit of discoloration in the corners from some sort of previous matting. There is also some paper loss in the lower left corner, away from the image. Finally, there is a light patina of toning from a previous framing. All-in-all, the piece is in solid condition, especially given the fact that it’s nearly 130 years old. $500.00 + 18.00 shipping. SOLD!
