378) Winsor McCay…
Dreams of the Rarebit Fiend by Winsor (Silas) McCay circa 1906
Winsor McCay was an influential American cartoonist and animator, best known for his pioneering work in early animation and for his comic strips. Born on September 26, 1869 (though his birth year is sometimes disputed), McCay’s most famous creations include the comic strips Little Nemo in Slumberland and Dreams of the Rarebit Fiend and the animated film Gertie the Dinosaur. The Dreams of the Rarebit Fiend strip pictured above (formerly in my collection) is signed Silas due to contractual reasons.
Little Nemo in Slumberland debuted in 1905 and was celebrated for its imaginative landscapes, intricate architectural designs, and the innovative use of the comic strip medium to explore dreamscapes. The strip follows the adventures of a young boy named Nemo as he navigates the fantastical and often surreal world of Slumberland, a realm he visits in his dreams.
Gertie the Dinosaur (1914) is one of McCay’s most significant contributions to the field of animation. It is considered one of the first animated cartoons to feature a character with a distinct personality and is often cited as a key development in the evolution of character animation. McCay would perform live on stage with Gertie, interacting with the animation in a way that amazed contemporary audiences and demonstrated the potential of animated films.
McCay’s work was characterized by its high level of artistic quality, attention to detail, and experimentation with new techniques in both comics and animation. His contributions laid the groundwork for future developments in both fields, influencing generations of artists and animators. Despite the technical limitations of his time, McCay’s animations displayed a fluidity and expressiveness that remain impressive.
He continued to work in comics and animation until his death in 1934, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer of early American animation and a master storyteller in the comic strip medium. McCay’s innovative techniques and imaginative storytelling have earned him a lasting place in the history of both art forms.
If you have any questions or comments, please email me at themythfits@gmail.com
