Where did the image of a poor person wearing a barrel originate?

Answer 1

"The origin of the image is attributed to newspaper cartoonist Will B. Johnstone. His cartoons used the image in the form of an archetypical fleeced taxpayer (typically identified by “taxpayer” written on the barrel). Uhlin’s site is a marvel of quality research about an unlikely collection of pop-culture icons; in this case, he was investigating Johnstone in relation to the Marx Brothers, for whom Johnstone did much writing, both on stage and screen.

From about the mid-1920s to the early 1940s, Johnstone was a cartoonist for the New York World (later merged into the World-Telegram, and now defunct), creating a (usually) multi-panel series of gags typically based on a “news item.”

We can’t say for sure that Johnstone invented the person-in-a-barrel image, but he apparently was credited with doing so in his lifetime. Johnstone’s obituary in the Feb. 7, 1944 rival New York Times describes “the unfortunate taxpayer, a scrawny little chap clad in a barrel held up by suspenders” as “one of the artist’s pet creations.” And a New York Times editorial the following day mourning Johnstone remarked, “His plucked and pathetic little taxpayer, reduced to a barrel for clothing, seemed somehow to symbolize us all.”"

Answer 2

There are two answers to this.
a. A gambler who had not only lost the "shirt off hi back" but everything else as well had to get home.
b. is somewhat a continuation of the above. If a person had done something wrong, (a minor offence) a mild form of punishment was embarrasment usually metered out by a town official. This was to strip the person naked, put the barrel on and have the person walk through the town being subject to the catcalls etc of the local townsfolk. Elizabethan era.

Answer 3

I think it originates from the Greek philosopher, Diogenes the cynic - whom Plato described as "Socrates gone mad".

He abandoned all his possessions other than a robe and walking stick and lived in a Barrel.

Answer 4

the cynics.. its this man in a barrel i forgot the name.. then the soldier said "how can i help u?" then the guy in the barrel said "MOVE! UR BLOCKING THE SUN"

Answer 5

Germany perhaps? Don't really know, but I do know that love your googly eyes!

Answer 6

france i reckon during louie the 5th's rule the fat king.

Answer 7

I don't know I'll check.