"Crying Over Spilled Milk" Cartoon
Artifact IDMO 2024.1.38.64
Object Type
Editorial Cartoon
Date
1962
Artist
Ferman Martin
(Cartoonist for the Houston Chronicle, American, 1899-1977)
Publisher
The Houston Chronicle
(American Newspaper, founded 1901)
Medium
Charcoal, pencil, ink on paper
DimensionsOverall H 16 1/4 in x W 14 in (41.3 cm x 35.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionOriginal black and white cartoon drawing. Fidel Castro (left) is angrily rejecting U.N. demands with clenched fists acting out like a baby as he sits in a cradle. A "Soviet Missle Pullout" lays broken on the ground as John F. Kennedy raises out of his rocking chair seemingly satisfied with "Easing of Tension". Anastas Mikoyan (right), a high ranking Soviet official, holds a brief case with a question mark, signifying Soviet uncertainty for future negotiations. Unidentified figures appear knocked down in the background, reinforcing the idea of diplomatic fallout from the crisis.
Historical NoteThis political cartoon references the aftermath of the Cuban Missile Crisis, a 13-day confrontation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union over nuclear missiles stationed in Cuba. The scene depicts key political figures involved in the crisis, using exaggerated expressions and body language to convey political tension. The crisis ended when Nikita Khrushchev agreed to remove Soviet missiles from Cuba in exchange for a U.S. promise not to invade Cuba and a secret agreement to remove American missiles from Turkey. Castrol, feeling betrayed by the Soviets, opposed the deal. Mikoyan's presence suggests Soviet attempts to mend relations with Cuba post crisis. Ferman Martin uses irony in the title "Crying over Spilled Milk" implying that despite Castro's frustration, the crisis was already settled, and his complaints were futile.
Additional DetailsCustodial History NoteItem was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - FullyUse Restriction Note© The Houston Cronicle
Use of this image is restricted. Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will notinfringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply.It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.In Collection(s)
Not on view
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