R. A. Lewis (American, 1902-1977) Well, Where's

R. A. Lewis (American, 1902-1977) Well, Where's The Fire My Friends?, Milwaukee Journal newspaper cartoon, September 1942 India ink, lithographic crayon, and gouache on heavyweight paper 8-3x4 x 10 inches (22.2 x 25.4 cm) (image) Signed lower right: R. A. Lewis Ross A. Lewis was the strongly anti-Nazi lead editorial cartoonist of the Milwaukee Journal newspaper, and he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1935 for a cartoon depicting the use of violence by both industry and strikers in labor disputes. His mastery of lithographic crayon is evident in this original. His work spanning his 38-year career, 1929-1967, was collected in book form in The Cartoons of R. A. Lewis published in 1968. His cartoons were syndicated to newspapers throughout the country. The years of American engagement in World War II brought restrictions to life on the home front unlike Americans had previously experienced. Essential goods, such as rubber, gasoline and automobiles, and various foods and consumer goods were rationed. The "Victory Speed Limit" declared by the U.S. Office of Defense Transportation in May 1942 established a maximum speed of 35 mph on the nation's roads. An elderly couple seems to have run afoul of the speed limit in this fine original by Ross Lewis published in September 1942. HID03101062020 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.comxTexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice

Condition
Very light toning to sheet. Light diagonal creases in upper left margin, not affecting central image. Some very light scattered pin points of surface dirt, small drip stains, and handling smudges through most visible through margins and in areas of negative space; one small drip stain partially affecting upper left area of sky. Wear and markings to margins of page in keeping with illustration and publishing process. Not framed. Sheet overall: 11.5 x 14.5 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"