Clifford K. Berryman Political Cartoon Collection
What Have I Struck?
Clifford K. Berryman
June 9, 1899
From the U.S. Senate Collection
Center for Legislative Archives
The Center for Legislative Archives maintains approximately 2,400 original pen-and-ink drawings by cartoonist Clifford K. Berryman from the U.S. Senate Collection. Berryman was one of Washington's best-known and most-admired graphic political commentators in the first half of the 20th century. Berryman drew for the Washington Post from 1890 until 1907, and then for the Evening Star from 1907 until his death in 1949. His cartoons touched on Washington politics, congressional issues, presidential elections, and both World Wars. Over a hundred of Berryman's cartoons are available for on-line viewing through the Archival Research Catalog by using the keyword Berryman.
In addition to commenting on Washington politics, Berryman also liked to comment on Washington weather. The cartoon entitled "What Have I Struck" appeared in the Washington Post on June 9, 1899. Berryman shows sweat dripping from the Washington monument, as Mephisto, otherwise known as the devil, sits on a park bench fanning himself. With sweat pouring down his face, even the devil wonders what kind of deal he has struck to be stuck in such a hot climate.
Clifford Berryman Exhibit Press Kit
"Congress Will Come To Order!," by Clifford K. Berryman, the Washington Evening Star, December 2, 1912, D-021, From the US Senate Collection, Center for Legislative Archives.
