And as the source above notes, To confuse the issue, a caricature doesn’t necessarily have to be a cartoon, it could be a painting, or a sculpture, or even a photograph. When you start fooling around with these features, then you run the risk of losing the likeness of the subject.”Ī caricature is very often the feature of graphic novels, comic books, and cartoons (drawn or animated). This distortion is difficult because the features of the subject are what makes the subject recognizable. Learn-to-draw stresses that in drawing and illustration “the key difference between caricature and drawing a portrait of someone is the intentional distortion of the subject in caricature. Because characters often seem ridiculous due to the over exaggerations provided by the author, this usually creates a humorous mood for the reader.”īut creating a caricature is not an easy task. Making caricature a great way to capture any moment.”Īs far as literature is concerned, Writing Explained notes that “caricatures in literature allow for writers to overly exaggerate traits of a character in order to have an effect on the reader.
“Caricature nowadays runs the gambit from acidic snarky political statements, to capturing once-in-a-lifetime events with sweetness and humor. The source above also adds that it is impossible to separate caricature from humor entirely. Baroque painter Annibale Carracci and his brother Agostino, created exaggerated portraits to make fun of their own art lessons.” The Italian word ‘Carico’ means ‘to load’ or ‘to laden.’ The word ‘caricare’ meaning ‘to load’ or ‘to exaggerate.’ Hence, caricature. Its beginnings as an art form started in Italy in the late 1500s. “Exaggerated drawings of politicians have been found as graffiti on walls in ancient Rome. This kind of caricature is better known as “doing an impression” of someone (above).īased on historical records, a caricature is as old as those prehistoric cave drawings.
Usually, when we talk about caricature were talking about a visual art form, but a caricature can be written or verbal as well.” We can add to that all its other uses in other art forms and daily life.Ī verbal form is something most people are familiar with, but not by this name. The caricature will be recognizable as the subject, but features might be emphasized.” But, essentially, how can we define caricature?Īccording to Caricature Station, in illustration, a caricature is an exaggerated likeness of someone.
Really? Yes, it is a form that we can find in ads, logos, and elsewhere. But, a caricature is also found in all forms of literature, in ‘serious’ art, animations, films, videos… At the same time, the caricature has its place in business. It is found in graphic novels and comic books. Sure, that is one of its forms and uses.īut this term encompasses much more than just single drawings, illustrations. For many people, when they see or hear the term caricature, the first thing that comes to mind is a drawing that is to make fun of or present a joke.