Charles Henry Sykes (American, 1882-1942) Well

Charles Henry Sykes (American, 1882-1942) Well, What Do You Think?, Philadelphia Public Ledger newspaper cartoon, circa 1940 India ink and lithographic crayon on heavyweight paper 15 x 12-1/2 inches (38.1 x 31.8 cm) (image) Signed upper left: Sykes Charles Henry "Bill" Sykes was an editorial cartoonist who joined the staff of the Philadelphia Public Ledger in 1911 and in 1914 became the paper's first and only editorial cartoonist until it ceased publication in 1942. In the 1920s he was a regular cartoonist for Life magazine and produced full-page weekly editorial cartoons. In addition, his work appeared in Collier's magazine and the New York Evening Post. This striking Uncle Sam original was published in the Philadelphia Public Ledger likely in 1940 or 1941. It features a dominant portrait of America's personification smilingly wielding "Defense Progress" in the form of a fearsome shotgun while two little men carry on the "peculiar political pleasantries." The issue, of course, was the state of American preparedness in a world gripped by war. This original is inscribed and signed by the artist: "To Murray A. Harris as a belated but sincere reply to 7/6/41. Merry Xmas, anyhow. C. H. Sykes — Dec 14, 1941." HID03101062020 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.com/TexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice

Condition
Very light toning to sheet. A few light scattered pin points of surface dirt to areas of negative space. Wear and markings to margins of page in keeping with illustration and publishing process. Not framed. Sheet overall: 17 x 14 inches
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