Superlative, one-of-a-kind original political cartoon of a half-smiling FDR buried up to his chest in an avalanche of ballots, titled “Smiling Through,” charcoal and ink on artist’s board, 13.5 x 15.75, boldly signed in fountain pen, “Franklin D. Roosevelt, Thursday, November 8, 1932, 22,813,786!” The cartoon, drawn for the election-night issue of Brooklyn Eagle by noted American artist John Cassel (1877–1960), is signed in charcoal, “Jno. Cassel”; Cassel later presented the drawing with an ink inscription, “To Dr. Greenway, compliments of Jno. Cassel.” The inscribee, Cornelius Greenway, was, in turn, a prominent collector of signed photographs whose collection was dispersed by Parke-Bernet in 1971. Matted and framed to an overall size of 17.5 x 20. Given the considerable visual appeal, provenance, and FDR’s specific reference to his history-changing Presidential victory, we feel that this is, quite simply, one of the finest signed images of Roosevelt ever to come to market. In fine condition, with mild, even toning, a few scattered spots of minor soiling, and marginal bend to one corner. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA. Featured collection item.
