Rare Cook Cartoon

Pen-and-ink illustration for “Puck” magazine, depicting a man signing up for an “Arctic Expedition Now Fitting Out. Men Wanted.” The man at the desk points to a sign-up book listing the names “Peary” and “Dr. Cook.” The volunteer appears to hesitate before signing by the name of Dr. Cook.

(Arctic) Opper, Frederick.

March 6, 1894.

13-1/4 x 11 inches. Rare Cook Cartoon. Signed by the artist. Small loss to right corners, else Fine. Item #227184

Puck Magazine was established in 1876 by Joseph Keppler, a former cartoonist for Frank Leslie’s Illustrated. Originally a German-language magazine, an English version appeared in 1877. The drawing on the front page of Puck and the double-spread in the middle were political in character, while the one on the back cover usually dealt with social issues. Joseph Keppler had traditional views on the role of women and never tired of poking fun at those involved in the campaign for women's suffrage. Nor did he show much sympathy for the emerging trade union movement.

The magazine was purchased by the Hearst organization in 1917, and closed the following year

Frederick Opper (1857-1937) was the son of Austrian immigrants, and began contributing drawings to magazines at the age of fourteen. He spent 14 years with “Puck” before moving to Hearst’s “New York Evening Journal”.

Price: $500.00