In this lesson, students will explore editorial cartoons as portraits and how the satirical art of cartoonists is reflective of their perspectives and time in American history. By comparing two National Portrait Gallery collection portraits, (Richard Nixon by Norman Rockwell, Watergate Breaks Wide Open by Jack Davis) students will discover similarities and differences in how political figures are portrayed. Students will also have the opportunity to listen to the perspectives of art historians and contemporary editorial cartoonists and explore the applications of satirical art past and present. 

This lesson plan was written by NPG Teacher Advisory Board Member Christoper Evans ALM, M.ED, who works as a Social Studies Teacher at Basha High School in Chandler, AZ.