A Caricature of General Jonas Černius

During the interwar period, the Lithuanian press, published in Lithuanian, Russian and Yiddish, featured vibrant works by the graphic artist, caricaturist and cartoonist Lazar Kagan. In 1932 and 1933, Kagan organised a touring exhibition that visited various Lithuanian cities, establishing himself as the most renowned caricature artist of the times. Travelling exhibitions were a new concept in Lithuania. In each city, Kagan would incorporate new caricatures of local officials and public figures into the exhibition, piquing the interest of the audience.

He did not hesitate to highlight pressing political and economic issues, or to ridicule human vices in his caricatures; but they were never offensive. The artist drew hundreds of caricatures on commission. Sometimes institutions, organisations, clubs and sports teams commissioned caricatures of their members. Army officers often featured among his subjects: generals, colonels, majors, captains and lieutenants, including the prime minister General Jonas Černius, a teacher in the military school and the author of several books on war.

Text author Vilma Gradinskaitė

Source: Law firm Valiunas Ellex art album STORIES OF LITVAK ART (2023). Compiler and author Vilma Gradinskaitė

During the interwar period, the Lithuanian press, published in Lithuanian, Russian and Yiddish, featured vibrant works by the graphic artist, caricaturist and cartoonist Lazar Kagan. In 1932 and 1933, Kagan organised a touring exhibition that visited various Lithuanian cities, establishing himself as the most renowned caricature artist of the times. Travelling exhibitions were a new concept in Lithuania. In each city, Kagan would incorporate new caricatures of local officials and public figures into the exhibition, piquing the interest of the audience.

He did not hesitate to highlight pressing political and economic issues, or to ridicule human vices in his caricatures; but they were never offensive. The artist drew hundreds of caricatures on commission. Sometimes institutions, organisations, clubs and sports teams commissioned caricatures of their members. Army officers often featured among his subjects: generals, colonels, majors, captains and lieutenants, including the prime minister General Jonas Černius, a teacher in the military school and the author of several books on war.

Text author Vilma Gradinskaitė

Source: Law firm Valiunas Ellex art album STORIES OF LITVAK ART (2023). Compiler and author Vilma Gradinskaitė