Walt Kelly

Kelly, Walter Crawford Jr.

American, 1913 - 1973

Explore selected works

The image depicts anthropomorphic animals in a forest setting having a discussion. A variety of cartoon-like characters such as a mouse, skunk, and other animal figures are engaging in conversation with speech bubbles. The dialogue is humorous and playful, touching on themes of humanity and language. Some animals are standing or sitting, interacting with each other, with one character gesturing and speaking loudly. The drawing features detailed illustrations with notations typical of traditional comic strips.
Walt Kelly, Human and Humane, 1970, pen and brush and black ink over blue colored pencil underdrawing on wove paper, Gift of Garry Trudeau, 2016.21.5

Human and Humane

Walt Kelly · 1970 · pen and brush and black ink over blue colored pencil underdrawing on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2016.21.5

This is a drawing of a comic strip scene featuring an owl character interacting with an unexpected event involving targets. The comic strip is composed of four panels and depicts an owl sitting on a log, discussing and illustrating the concept of drawing zeros within each other. The owl is interrupted by an arrow piercing through concentric circles representing the zeros. The sequence ends with the owl standing, apparently alarmed and addressing an unseen instigator with the text, "ALL RIGHT! WHO'S THE WISE GUY?" The artwork features expressive lines typical of comic art and uses black-and-white contrasts to highlight the character and action. The caption "1965 WALT KELLY" suggests the drawing is part of the work of the cartoonist behind the comic strip series, "Pogo".
Walt Kelly, Owl's Bulls-eye, 1965, pen and brush and black ink over blue colored pencil underdrawing on wove paper, Gift of Garry Trudeau, 2016.21.4

Owl's Bulls-eye

Walt Kelly · 1965 · pen and brush and black ink over blue colored pencil underdrawing on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2016.21.4

This is a drawing of a comic strip with four panels. The characters are anthropomorphic animals. Panel 1: A character with a hat and glasses suggests making money selling singing commercials. Panel 2: Another character in a graduation cap makes a pun with the word "counterbute." Panel 3: A character questions the plan. Panel 4: There is additional dialogue about using one's head metaphorically and combing hair. The characters have expressive faces and interact playfully in a classic cartoon style, typical of mid-20th-century American comic strips.
Walt Kelly, Owl's Head, 1955, black pen and ink over blue colored pencil underdrawing on wove paper, Gift of Garry Trudeau, 2016.21.6

Owl's Head

Walt Kelly · 1955 · black pen and ink over blue colored pencil underdrawing on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2016.21.6

This is a drawing of a comic strip titled "Pogo" featuring anthropomorphic animals interacting with a bear trap in one character's mouth. The characters are shown having a conversation about the bear with the trap in its mouth, depicting humorous misunderstandings and arguments. The comic uses expressive characters with exaggerated facial expressions and gestures to convey a playful and comedic tone.
Walt Kelly, A Bear-Trap in His Mouth 'Stead of Teeth, 1952, pen and brush and black ink over blue colored pencil underdrawing on wove paper, Gift of Garry Trudeau, 2016.21.3

A Bear-Trap in His Mouth 'Stead of Teeth

Walt Kelly · 1952 · pen and brush and black ink over blue colored pencil underdrawing on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2016.21.3