'I Spent My Life Looking for Honest Men...Just What are You Looking For?'
ArtistDrawn by
Edmund S. Valtman
(American, 1914 - 2005)
Date1971
MediumDrawing; black and colored ink on paper
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 9 1/4 x 13 3/4in. (23.5 x 34.9cm)
Sheet (height x width): 11 3/8 x 14 3/8in. (28.9 x 36.5cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineGift of Edmund S. Valtman
Object number1995.71.519
DescriptionPolitical cartoon drawing of a line of people with numbers pinned to their clothes beneath a sign that reads, "Panel of prospective jurors for Bobby Seale trial." Two men, their clothing labeled, "Prosecutor" and "Defense attorney" respectively, are choosing individuals from the line while turning back to speak to a figure labeled "Diogenes", who is wearing a robe and carrying a staff and lantern. On the back is a sketch of Richard Nixon's head and shoulders.
NotesSubject Note: In 1970, Bobby Seale, the man depicted in the center of this drawing, was on trial in New Haven, Connecticut, for charges related to the murder of Alex Rackley. In 1971, with the jury deadlocked on Seale's acquittal, the judge ended up dismissing the charges because he believed that it was impossible to find an unbiased jury without "superhuman efforts."Status
Not on view
