Guided Primary Source Analysis: Spiro Agnew Parody

Spiro Agnew in a parody of a World War I poster
Edward Sorel, Spiro Agnew in a parody of a World War I poster, 1973. Drawing. Published in Harper’s. Courtesy of Edward Sorel.

What do you think the artist is trying to tell you through this poster? What details support your conclusion? Find out more about Spiro Agnew.

Read the following curator notes: Anything Goes: Caricature Since the 1960s: Edward Sorel, Author and Caricaturist. What three reasons are given for the resurgence of caricature in the mid-1960s? What more did you learn about the art of caricature from the notes?

The title of the featured poster mentions that it is a parody. Explain why you think or don’t think the featured poster above is a parody of the World War I poster below using specific details from the images to support your conclusion.

Over the top for you – Buy U.S. gov’t bonds, Third Liberty Loan

What other observations, reflections or questions does this source inspire? Let us know!