TL/DR –
Political cartoonist Pat Oliphant, whose work was syndicated in newspapers across the US from 1965 to 2015, has died at the age of 90. Oliphant, whose extensive archive resides at the University of Virginia’s Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, was known for his sharp critiques of presidents and politicians. He predicted the decline of newspapers and the rise of the internet as the main source of news during a 2018 visit to the university.
Notable Political Cartoonist, Pat Oliphant, Dies at 90
Syndicated political cartoonist Pat Oliphant, whose work graced editorial pages of newspapers nationwide from 1965 to 2015, passed away Monday at 90. His collection is archived at the University of Virginia’s Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library.
Oliphant’s relationship with the University included multiple visits and participation in Miller Center for Public Affairs events. In 2018, he donated an archive of over 6,000 daily pen-and-ink cartoons, original notebooks, sculptures, and paintings to the Special Collections Library. This treasure trove became the focus of a significant exhibition during the 2019-20 academic year.
“Pat Oliphant was Alexander Pope with a paintbrush, delivering satire in swift strokes,” said Ken Hughes, a Miller Center research specialist and author keen on the White House and former President Richard Nixon.
Oliphant’s critical eye spared no politician or president, targeting figures such as Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. His signature touch on most cartoons included a tiny trademark penguin, Punk, offering additional commentary.
Among the presidents featured in Oliphant’s work, Nixon provided the most cartoon fodder. Oliphant’s Watergate series vividly captured Nixon’s conflicting characteristics.
In a 2009 Miller Center event, Oliphant expressed mild regret for his portrayal of U.S. Senator Robert Dole, who unsuccessfully ran for president. Despite his public image, Oliphant found Dole to have a great sense of humor.
Oliphant’s Perspective on the Evolution of News
In a 2018 visit, Oliphant foresaw newspapers’ decline and the internet emerging as the primary news source. “The internet has drastically changed our relationship with information,” he said.
Although traditional editorial cartoons and newspapers have waned in influence, Hughes notes that Oliphant’s death is a palpable loss. He closed with, “A fearless critic of power is gone with Oliphant’s pen now stilled.”
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