Edmund Joseph Sullivan

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Edmund Joseph Sullivan
1869-1933
Latest Portraits of Celebrities. The Kaisar Beside Himself
1917
Pen and black ink over graphite, on illustration board.
14 11/16 x 10 1/2 inches (373 x 267 mm)
Bequest of Gordon N. Ray, 1987.
1986.1569
Notes: 

Title from item.
Original drawing by E.J. Sullivan for political cartoon for publication in the London weekly, The National news, 1917.

Inscription: 

Signed and dated at upper right, "Edmund J. Sullivan 1917"; on verso in ink, "Latest portraits of celebrities. The Kaisar beside himself. By Edmund Sullivan A.R.W.S. Sep. 28, 1917."; inscribed below in blue pencil, "National News," followed by specifications for the printer.

Provenance: 
From the library of Gordon N. Ray.
Summary: 

Drawing shows a caricature of Wilhelm II as a two headed figure, half of which wears military uniform and fiercely brandishes a bloody sword, while his other half wears a black suit with a rolled document labelled "Holy Willy's Prayer" sticking out of the pocket and gazes heavenward as he holds out an envelope addressed: To His High Wellborn Holiness Pope Benedict XV Vatican Rome.

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