Original hand-drawn political illustration artwork attributed to artist Steve Peto, created circa 1989 during the height of U.S.–Iran geopolitical tensions.

The illustration depicts caricature portraits of Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini and U.S. President Ronald Reagan facing one another above symbolic imagery combining American and Iranian motifs. The composition incorporates patriotic text including “In God We Trust” and “E Pluribus Unum,” along with the Iranian national emblem, forming a striking visual commentary on the political climate of the late Cold War era.

The artwork is executed on Crescent Illustration Board No.100 heavy weight cold press surface, a professional board commonly used by editorial illustrators and commercial artists. The reverse is handwritten with the name “Steve Peto” and “Kryczka,” likely referencing American Academy of Art Chicago instructor Rich Kryczka, where Peto studied in the late 1980s.

Original illustration pieces such as this were typically created for editorial concepts, classroom critique, or portfolio work. Surviving original boards offer a unique collectible piece of late-20th-century political art.

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Condition

Very good vintage condition with minor age-related wear.

Illustration board remains flat with strong color and detail.

Light surface speckling from the original medium and minor handling marks consistent with studio artwork.

No major damage or restoration observed.

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