Details
Title A conservative philospher [graphic].
Publisher [New York: Harper & Brothers]
Date [January 1856]
Physical Description 1 print: wood engraving; image 16 x 12 cm. (6.25 x 4.5 in)
Description Crayon's "conservative philosopher" is a Virginia boot-black named Billy Devilburg, whose tendency to philosophize about boots and social class earned him this title. Devilburg is shown in his shop, where, surrounded by boots, he holds forth on this topic. According to Crayon, Devilburg was "a specimen of his race that merited more than a casual glance." As he wrote, "time had made strong marks upon his face, but good temper and full feeding had kept out the petty wrinkles which indicate decrepitude. His broad forehead, fringed with grizzled wool, imparted an air of dignity to his countenance, his one eye beamed with honesty, while his quiet, deferential manner inspired the respect it tendered." (p. 178)
Is part of Harper's new monthly magazine. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1856.
Notes Illustration in Harper's New Monthly Magazine, vol. 12, no. 68 (January 1856), p. 178.
Engraving accompanies Porte Crayon's [i.e., David Hunter Srother's] "Virginia Illustrated. Adventures of Porte Crayon and his Cousins," which was published in book form in 1857. See David Hunter Strother, Virginia Illustrated (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1857).
Fels Afro-Americana Image Project, Work Scenes.
Subject Shoe shiners -- Virginia.
African American men -- Virginia.
Shoe stores -- Virginia.
Genre Wood engravings -- 1850-1860.
Periodical illustrations -- 1850-1860.
Location Library Company of Philadelphia| Books & Other Texts | Rare | Per H 9 62992.O v 12 n 68 January 1856 p 178
Accession number 62992.O