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The Big Arena

Artifact ID1990.00763.56
Object Type Cartoon
Maker (American (Australian), born 1935)
Maker (Washington, DC)
Date December 3, 1986
Medium Paper, Ink, Glass, Wood
Dimensions16 1/4 × 20 7/8 × 1 3/8 in. (41.3 × 53 × 3.5 cm)
Physical DescriptionA Pat Oliphant political cartoon, matted in white and in a light wood frame, titled The Big Arena.
Reagan, dressed as a Roman Emperor, is seated behind a podium at the Coliseum. A lion is standing before Reagan with his front paws on the podium. Reagan points his thumb down to the lion. The skulls of Poindexter and North are lying on the ground.
Punk: Throw down George
Man: Bush, Shultz or Will?
Historical NoteUpon hearing Ronald Reagan enjoyed political cartoons, the Kiplinger Foundation gave the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library a collection of Oliphant cartoons that covered the range of President Reagan's administration, selected by Pat Oliphant.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was created by Pat Oliphant during the Reagan Administration. The Kiplinger Foundation purchased seventy-four original drawings from Pat Oliphant, had them matted and framed, and donated them to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in 1990.
Credit LineGift of the Kiplinger Foundation
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction Note© Washington Star/Universal Press Syndicate 1986
Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe 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.
Person Depicted RADM John M. Poindexter (United States National Security Advisor (1985–1986); Rear Admiral, United States Navy)
Person Depicted George P. Shultz (United States Secretary of State (1982-1989))
Person Depicted LtCol Oliver North (Lieutenant Colonel, United States Marine Corps; Political-Military Affairs Directorate, NSC (1982-1986))
Person Depicted Ronald Wilson Reagan (President of the United States of America (1981-1989))
Person Depicted George Bush (President of the United States of America (1989-1993))