J. N. "Ding" Darling (American, 1876-1962) You D

J. N. "Ding" Darling (American, 1876-1962) You Don't Suppose He's Trying to Avoid Him, Do You?, Des Moines Register newspaper cartoon, October 22, 1940 India ink on heavyweight paper 19-1x2 x 14-3x4 inches (49.5 x 37.5 cm) (image) Signed lower right: Ding One of America's greatest cartoonists of the first half of the 20th century and two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning created this original editorial cartoon that was published on the front page of the October 22, 1940 edition of the Des Moines Register and as well as in newspapers across the USA in following days. J. N. "Ding" Darling's career began at the Sioux City Journal in 1900; in 1906 he joined the art staff of the Des Moines Register and Leader. In the 1910s he worked at the New York Globe and New York Herald Tribune but returned to Des Moines for good in 1919. His Pulitzer Prizes came in 1924 and 1943. An ardent conservationist, he was instrumental in founding the National Wildlife Federation in 1936. Ding Darling's distinctive and lively style is abundantly on display in this work in this original. President Franklin Roosevelt's decision to seek a third term as President was the most controversial of his political career; it broke the precedent set by George Washington in 1797 and was opposed even within his own party. In this splendid original FDR bypasses that party opposition and the issue itself as he strides purposefully and fixedly into unknown territory. It was a very different age. President Roosevelt was afflicted by polio and lost the use of his legs in 1921. He was only able to stand by using leg braces, supporting himself at a podium, or leaning on his aides. Despite being an active and successful politician, he was rarely seen in public and was never depicted in newspaper photographs or cartoons in his wheelchair. This was the convention of the time, and the press cooperated fully. HID03101062020 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.comxTexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice

Condition
Scattered handling creases with notable area in lower center region. Scattered light stains through center left to lower left partially affecting figure's arm; notable area of staining to upper right affecting areas of lettering; small drip stains through lower center and right region. Small abrasion partially affecting top of little boy's head. Scattered pin points of surface dirt to areas of negative space and margins; light scattered handling smudges along extreme edges; wear and markings to sheet in keeping with illustration and publishing process. Not framed.Sheet overall: 20 x 15.25 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"