Graphic Humor as a Tool for Criticism
Between 1948 and 1958, when Carlos de Miguel assumed the role of editor at Revista Nacional de Arquitectura, a series of cartoons that approached architecture through graphic humour began to appear in its pages. Among the most notable authors were important cartoonist like Alan Dunn, Saul Steinberg, and the English artist Osbert Lancaster. The graphics and tone of his cartoons served to succinctly convey complex critical ideas, which did not always faithfully reflect those originally expressed.
Through an analysis of the cartoons and figure of Osbert Lancaster, this article reviews the criticism that was made from Spain towards some aspects of modern architecture, such as the excessive rigidity of functionalism or its impact on the city. Thus, Lancaster’s drawings were more effective than words in illustrating the main debates of the time.
Eva Gil Donoso, Ana Esteban Maluenda, Alberto Ruiz Colmenar. “A Picture is Worth a thousand words. Graphic Humor as a Tool for Criticism in Revista Nacional dDe Arquitectura (1948-1958),” Espacio, Tiempo y Forma. Serie VII Historia del Arte 13 (2025): 285-309. https://doi.org/10.5944/etfvii.13.2025.41535
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