Item #24311 Natural Selection [Charles Darwin] Spy Cartoon from Vanity Fair. Ape, Carlo Pellegrini.

Natural Selection [Charles Darwin] Spy Cartoon from Vanity Fair.

London: Vanity Fair, Sept. 30, 1871. Print. A caricature of Charles Darwin, no. 33 from Vanity Fair's 'Men of the Day' series. The publication coincides with the year of the release of his book 'Descent of Man'. The success of "On the Origin of Species" had made Darwin a public figure and dean of the scientific community. His portrait communicates this reverence, with Darwin seated on a velvet chair, inclined somewhat forward, his long white beard hiding a dry smile.

The caricaturist Carlo Pellegrini (1839–1889), served from 1869 for 20 years for Vanity Fair magazine. He was the first caricaturist to work for the magazine, originally signing his work as 'Singe' and later, and more famously, as 'Ape'. His nickname was Italian for "bee" - appropriate for his sometimes stinging caricatures. Very good condition. Item #24311

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