Thomas Nast

Thomas Nast (September 26, 1840[1] – December 7, 1902) was a German-born American caricaturist and editorial cartoonist often considered to be the "Father of the American Cartoon".[

The cartoonist is renowned for creating the Republican Elephant and popularizing the Democratic Donkey. He also created the modern images of Santa Claus and Uncle Sam, influenced five victorious Presidential elections, and satirically commented on seven administrations.

Nast’s star shown brightest during the Civil War and Reconstruction — when he had virtually no competition — and continued through the first decade of the Gilded Age.

Nast’s most memorable victory — bringing down New York’s corrupt and entrenched Boss (William) Tweed and his Ring of thieves in 1871 — was achieved through informal collaboration with The New York Times. The paper extolled Nast, capturing the essence of the cartoonist’s power and influence. - Thomas Nast.