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Illustration of two men in 18th century clothing having a boxing match.
Photo by William Charles

The Mighty Pen

The War of 1812, as seen by political cartoonists

Graphic styles may have changed, but the political cartoons of 200 years ago are very much like those of today in one crucial respect: they critique through humour.

This cartoon from 1812, which shows a character representing Great Britain (on the left) with an extremely bloody nose and a black eye courtesy of an American figure, is one of 23 reproductions included in the display “Huzza for Freedom!” The exhibit – of work by historical and contemporary artists – was curated by four master’s students in museum studies, in collaboration with the Ontario Heritage Trust. View it at the Parliament Interpretive Centre in Toronto until September 1.

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