Geo Mcmanus Paintings

George McManus, better known as Geo McManus, was an influential American cartoonist, most renowned for creating the comic strip 'Bringing Up Father'. Born on January 23, 1884, in St. Louis, Missouri, McManus had a knack for drawing from a young age. His career in comics began early when he dropped out of school to work as an office boy at the St. Louis Republic. There, he started drawing cartoons in his spare time, which eventually led to his comic strips being published.

In 1904, McManus moved to New York City, where his career as a cartoonist really began to take off. He created several comic strips, but none gained substantial popularity until the launch of 'Bringing Up Father' in 1913. The strip, also known as 'Jiggs and Maggie' after its main characters, became a massive success and would continue for decades, even after McManus's death, through the work of other artists.

'Bringing Up Father' centered on the lives of an Irish immigrant named Jiggs, who comes into wealth through winning the lottery, and his wife, Maggie, who has social aspirations that Jiggs does not share. The strip was notable for its use of an Art Deco style and was one of the first to target adult readers with its domestic comedy theme. It was also one of the earliest strips to be widely merchandised, with Jiggs and Maggie appearing on a variety of products.

McManus's influence on the cartoon industry extended beyond his own strip. He was known for his stylish characters and lavish backgrounds, which set a new standard for comic strip art. His work was characterized by a unique blend of clean lines and fashionable design, which made his art stand out among his contemporaries.

George McManus passed away on October 22, 1954. His legacy lives on through 'Bringing Up Father', which set a precedent for character-driven comic strips and opened the door for future generations of cartoonists. McManus's work remains an important part of the history of American comic art and continues to be appreciated by enthusiasts and scholars alike.