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This original ink and watercolor cartoon, titled "Time: A. D. 6900," was created circa 1901 by the American artist and illustrator McKee Barclay.The piece is a satirical reimagining of a future museum where various everyday objects and people from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are displayed as ancient, misunderstood artifacts.Key Elements of the SatireThe artwork features humorous labels that misinterpret the purpose of then-contemporary items:The "Meadow Canary": A donkey is described as a "sweet singing" bird with a baritone voice that could "punt backwards with great effect".The "Skeleton of Mr. Jeff Fitzshark": A caricature of a "20th Century Gladiator," likely mocking a public figure of the time.Historical Relics: Items like a "Lady's Shoe" found at the "Site of the Ancient City of Chicago" and "Metal Discs" used as a "Medium of Exchange" (money) are presented as archaeological curiosities.Future Beings: The museum-goers are depicted as small, thin figures with oversized heads, a common trope of the era used to represent highly evolved future humans who have focused entirely on intellectual pursuits.About the ArtistMcKee Barclay was a prominent editorial cartoonist and illustrator active in the early 20th century. While less widely remembered today than his contemporary McClelland Barclay (a famous WWII-era pin-up and advertising artist), McKee's work was known for its sharp wit and commentary on American society. Original pieces of this nature are occasionally found in specialty bookstores like Second Story Books. |
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