What is a Caricature?

Caricature Self-Portrait of James Ciambor

 By James Ciambor

What is a caricature?  Webster’s Dictionary defines it as “A figure or description in which beauties are concealed and blemishes exaggerated, but still bearing a resemblance to the object." Caricatures have been common in the arts for over half a millennium. Although there is no date agreed upon for the beginning of caricatures, we do know that the modern version of caricatures came from Italy during the Renaissance around the 15 to 16^th centuries. Caricature is an Italian term for exaggerate or exaggeration.

Leonardo Da Vinci is one of the earliest examples of someone who did caricatures as a part of their work.  A half millennium later we have modern day caricature artists like Mort Drucker, and Gerard Scarfe who use their drawing style as a way to satirize famous people.

What started in the Renaissance has evolved into being a large part of the media, and a way for artists in America to use their 1^st amendment right to show how they feel about politicians and celebrities.

The possibilities for caricatures are limitless and only limited by one’s imagination. Caricature is a great way for an artist to express their opinion on different issues while using the pen as an instrument of satire and humor. As such, this art is a form of cultural and political expression that can bring a smile to friend and foe alike.