This gathering of prints, drawings, and posters from the 15th century until today traces the history and persistence of humor in art. From Renaissance caricatures by European artists Jacques Callot and Francesco Melzi, to comic etchings by satirist William Hogarth, to droll cultural critiques by R. Crumb and Guerilla Girls, these works on paper illustrate how humor has been wielded by artists to reveal truths, offer commentary, or simply make us laugh.
Robert Crumb, “Zap #1” (1968), published by Apex Novelties.
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of William and Abigail Gerdts.