Bruce Russell (American, 1903-1963) The Skeleton

Bruce Russell (American, 1903-1963) The Skeleton in the Closet, Los Angeles Times newspaper cartoon, October 26, 1944 India ink and gouache on heavyweight paper 17-3x4 x 14-1x4 inches (45.1 x 36.2 cm) (image) Signed lower right: Bruce Russell Bruce Russell joined the staff of the Los Angeles Times in 1927 as a sports cartoonist. He became the newspaper's lead editorial cartoonist in 1934, a position he held to his death in 1963. His work was syndicated by the Times and appeared in newspapers throughout the country. Mr. Russell was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning in 1946. During President Franklin D. Roosevelt's campaign for a fourth term in 1944, he emphasized his wartime leadership and measured shift from 1930s neutrality to world leadership. The Skeleton in the Closet was published on October 26, 1944, and it is a striking original that clearly expresses that despite the campaign message, FDR was concerned that his "Prewar Foreign Policy" would emerge to haunt him. Bruce Russell inscribed this original "To Murray Harris with best regards" next to his signature. HID03101062020 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.comxTexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice

Condition
Light toning to sheet, most visible through margins. Very light handling creases, visible under raking light. A few very light scattered pin points of surface dirt, visible in upper left region. Very small stains in lower left margin; some light scattered handling smudges along extreme edges; wear and markings to margins of page in keeping with illustration and publishing process. Not framed. Sheet overall: 22.25 x 15.75 inches Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS"