Details
Creator Pierce, William J. engraver.
Contributor Hill, A., artist.
Title Cotton pressing in Louisiana [graphic] / A Hill del. ; Peirce sc.
Publisher [Boston: s.n]
Publisher MA. Boston. 1856
Date [1856]
Physical Description 1 print: wood engraving; image 13 x 25 cm. (5 x 10 in)
Description Engraving shows the pressing of cotton, which, according to the unnamed author of an accompanying article, represents "one of the most interesting of the various stages of preparation of cotton for the market." After being picked and harvested, the cotton was compressed into bales similar those shown in the left foreground. The press (center) was described as being "supported by a heavy frame of timber" and "about nine feet in depth." As the author explained, the work proceeded as follows: "Into this, the light, the fleecy substance is poured, and the capstan bar being set to work, it is gradually compressed to the required size, the cords are fastened round the bale, and it leaps out ready for transportation." Commenting on the slaves' labor, the author remarked, "In our sketch, a party is busily filling the press, and two stout hands are removing the bales under the direction of the overseer. But the life and soul of the party is at the capstan, in the person of the lively darky [third from right] engaged in extravagant imitations of the overseer, and jeers at the expense of the solemn figure next to him. This mercurial 'culled passion,' a fair specimen of his light-hearted race, by his jokes and high spirits, almost doubles the motive power at the bars. Though apparently solely occupied with attempts upon the facial muscles of his fellow-servants, yet at the exact moment, he will turn a somerset, kick the shins of his next neighbors, like a playful donkey, and run round with the bars, the loudest in singing the monotonous but not unmusical chant by which the black accompany their labor." (p. 236)
Is part of Ballou's pictorial drawing-room companion. Boston: F. Gleason [etc.], 1856.
Notes Illustration in Ballou's Pictorial Drawing-Room Companion, vol. X, no. 15 (April 12, 1856), p. 236.
Fels Afro-Americana Image Project, Work Scenes.
Subject Cotton machinery.
African American agricultural laborers.
Slave labor -- Southern States.
Genre Wood engravings -- 1850-1860.
Periodical illustrations -- 1850-1860.
Location Library Company of Philadelphia| Books & Other Texts | Rare | *Per B 1 5919.F v X n 15 April 12 1856 p 236
Accession number 5919.F