Artwork

Signature, "TH. Nast, Oct. 17, 1901"

Signature, "TH. Nast, Oct. 17, 1901", by Thomas Nast, ink, 1901
Signature, "TH. Nast, Oct. 17, 1901", by Thomas Nast, ink, 1901

Signature, "TH. Nast, Oct. 17, 1901" is an ink drawing by Thomas Nast. It dates from 1901 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

The painting is signed "TH. Nast, Oct. 17, 1901".

This work is interesting because it's created on the back of a union league club card, which is an unusual surface for art. The use of pen and brown ink also suggests a sense of simplicity and intimacy.

You can learn more about the artist's style and other works at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Overview

Thomas Nast’s dated work, marked with his initials and the date October 17, 1901, is a modest drawing executed with pen and brown ink. The image occupies the reverse side of a Union League Club card, an unconventional support that highlights the informal nature of the piece.

Technique & Style

The artist employed a simple pen line rendered in brown ink, a choice that lends the drawing a restrained, personal quality. Working on the thin cardstock of a club card required a light touch, emphasizing contour over elaborate shading.

Context

Created at the turn of the twentieth century, the drawing reflects Nast’s habit of producing quick, informal sketches alongside his more public political cartoons. The Union League Club, a prominent civic organization, often circulated printed cards, providing an accessible surface for such spontaneous work.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Thomas Nast

Artist

Thomas Nast

Thomas Nast (1858–1858) was an artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.