Details
Creator Clay, Edward Williams, 1799-1857, artist.
Title Back to back. [graphic] / E.W.C.
Publisher [Philadelphia]: [publisher not identified]
Publisher PA. Philadelphia. 1829
Date [ca. 1829]
Physical Description 1 print: lithograph; 37 x 29 cm (14.5 x 11 in.)
Description Racist caricature ridiculing attendees of an African American dance ball. Depicts an African American man woman couple with their backs together as they learn a dance step of which the man has "cocht de figure now!" In the left, the woman looks to the left, holds a fan and handkerchief to her left side, and stands on her toes. She is attired in a headpiece consisting of feathers, ribbons, and pearls, and an off-the-shoulder, ankle-length ball gown with puff sleeves and a pleated skirt, as well as patterned stockings, slipper shoes, and jewelry, including earrings, necklace, and a bracelet. In the right, the man holds his arms to his sides, and his hands open, as he stands on his toes. He wears a mustache and is attired in a coat with a wide collar and tails, a patterned vest and shirt with turned up collar, pantaloons, patterned stockings, and black slipper shoes adorned with buckles. The figures are portrayed with oversized and exaggerated features.
Is referenced by Murrell, Graphic Humour, Vol. 1 p. 108-110.
Notes Title from item.
Date inferred from content and name of artist.
Due to the similar content of this caraciature to the prints in the original "Life in Philadelphia" series, Murrell classifies this lithograph as a part of the series.
Contains one line of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect above the image: I reckon I’ve cotch de figure now!
Imagery similar to earlier work by artist "African Fancy Ball" in Lessons in dancing, : exemplified by sketches from real life in the city of Philadelphia (Philadelphia: Published by R.H. Hobson, Chesnut Street, 1828). Copy in the holdings of the American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, MA and Rosenbach Library and Museum, Philadelphia, PA.
RVCDC
Description revised 2021.
Access points revised 2021.
Acquired in 1968.
Subject African American women -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia.
African Americans.
African Americans -- Clothing & dress -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia.
Balls (Parties) -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia.
Ballroom dancing -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia.
Conversation.
Genre Caricatures -- 1820-1830.
Lithographs -- 1820-1830.
Location Library Company of Philadelphia| Print Department| Life in Philadelphia (Philadelphia Set) [7688.F]
Accession number 7688.F