The Mind Creative
A cartoon is essentially a form of two dimensional illustration
specifically intended for satire or humour. It is quite often a
non-realistic or semi-realistic depiction of the subject matter. The
phrase “two-dimensional” used here has very specific intonations
because with the help of modern technology and tools, the humble
cartoon has now ascended into the realms of three-dimensional
space through an art form called animation.
As per the Wikipedia: “The term ‘cartoon’ originated in the Middle
Ages and first described a preparatory drawing for a piece of art,
such as a painting, fresco, tapestry, or stained glass window. In
the 19th century, it came to refer to humorous illustrations in
magazines and newspapers, and in the early 20th century and
onward it referred to comic strips and animated films.”
In fact, the word ‘cartoon’ has its origins in the Italian "cartone"
and Dutch "karton" which mean strong, heavy paper or pasteboard. These “cartoons” were typically used in the production
of frescoes, to accurately link the component parts of the composition when painted on damp plaster over a series of days.
Cartoons by painters, such as Raphael and Leonardo Da Vinci, are
highly prized in their own right.
On the other hand, a caricature is a drawing that shows the
exaggerated features of its subject in a fashion that can be
complimentary or insulting. This form of art is quite often used
for political subjects or for the depiction of known personalities.
The word caricature is derived from the the Italian caricare—to
charge or load. Some of the earliest caricatures are found in the
works of Leonardo da Vinci.
However, it was within the closed aristocratic circles of France and
Italy that caricatures gained a solid reputation. A classic example
is the very well-known caricature by James Gillray – The PlumbPudding In Danger.
15