Biographical Note

Ralph Emerson Barton (1891-1931) was a caricaturist and illustrator. Barton’s first caricature was of Thomas Hart Benton, his last was Charlie Chaplin. In between he knew everyone and drew everyone in the social and cultural scene of New York during the 1920s and 1930s. Much of Barton’s work from the mid-1920s onward was for the New Yorker Magazine. Other prominent magazines of the era to feature his work were Collier’s, Photoplay, Vanity Fair, Judge, and Harper’s Bazaar. He also illustrated one of the 1920s' most popular books, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. 

Scope and Content Note

Caricature drawings of artist Ralph Barton, containing copies of work he did for newspapers, various theater and entertainment magazines and periodicals, such as Puck, The New Yorker, Collier’s, Photoplay, Vanity Fair, Judge, and Harper’s Bazaar. Also, his illustrations in one of the most popular
books of the 1920s, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. The work covers c.1908 to the 1930s. With some
reproductions in articles, 1981, 1983,1986.

Access

Materials do not circulate but are available to all users in the Special Collections Reading Room during
service hours or by appointment.