The Cartoon as Art

But is it art? The art elements -- line, shape and texture can help you analyze the artistic quality of the cartoon. (Check out the Expressionism unit for help with the art elements.) Questions to help you analyze the cartoon might be:

Would you call this cartoon art? If so why or why not?

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Are the lines pleasing to look at? In what ways?

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Does is feel balanced? Explain.

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What expressive qualities does it have?

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What ideas or emotions does it express?

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Did these work for or against the piece? The artist?

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"Join or Die" is simply drawn. It shows us that very good drawing skills are not needed to get a point across. Do you suppose Franklin might have wanted the drawing to look rough? Why?

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