Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Donald Reilly: On Getting Accepted to Smith College

Cartoonist Donald Reilly's drawing from the July 24, 1971, issue of The New Yorker is one I find a little unsettling even today.
"I realize acceptance at Smith means little to you at the
moment, dear, but you'll see—you'll meet freaks there
who will be your friends for life."

Donald Reilly
Original art
The New Yorker, July 24, 1971, p. 70


Reilly's use of bold lines and wash works well in the background but also on the figures. He rather expertly contrasts the mother and daughter in dress, hairstyle, and attitude. Finally, the mother's awkward attempt to use her daughter's language gives this cartoon its unusual aftertaste.
"I realize acceptance at Smith means little to you at the
moment, dear, but you'll see—you'll meet freaks there
who will be your friends for life."

Donald Reilly
Framed original art
The New Yorker, July 24, 1971, p. 70

Donald Reilly
Swann Galleries listing of June 5, 2018


"I realize acceptance at Smith means little to you at the moment, dear, but you'll see—you'll meet freaks there who will be your friends for life."
Donald Reilly
The New Yorker, July 24, 1971, p. 70

"I realize acceptance at Smith means little to you at the moment, dear, but you'll see—you'll meet freaks there who will be your friends for life."
Donald Reilly
Original art
The New Yorker, July 24, 1971, p. 70

With a spot drawing of books and a cartoon by Donald Reilly


* * *

The spot drawing is signed, but I can't make out the signature.
Artist Unidentified
Spot drawing
The New Yorker, July 24, 1971, p. 70




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