Details
Title The Rivals embrace [graphic] : Clarence Brooks & Co. Manufacturers of fine coach varnishes, cor. West 12th Sts. New York.
Publisher [New York] : [publisher not identified]
Publisher N.Y. New York. 1880
Date [ca. 1880]
Physical Description 1 print : chromolithograph ; sheet 7 x 11 cm (3 x 4.5 in.)
Description Racist, satiric trade card promoting varnish manufacturer Clarence Brooks and Co. Depicts a genre scene with two African American men suitors courting an African American woman while trying to ice skate on a frozen river. The figures are caricaturized and portrayed with exaggerated features. Two men, their mouths open clutch onto one another, their legs twisted, as they try not to fall on the ice. The man to the left is attired in ice skates; blue pants; a red jacket; white collared shirt; and a top hat that has fallen off. The man to the right is attired in ice skates; yellow suit with red checks; and a top hat. The woman they court watches the scene from the shore. Her mouth is open and her hands are apart in alarm. She is attired in white shoes; red stockings; a blue dress; purple coat; and straw bonnet adorned with a pink feather. In the background are two more ice skaters and a building. Clarence Brooks established his varnish business in 1859 as Brooks and Fitzgerald, later Clarence Brooks & Co. In 1881, the firm issued a calendar illustrated with African American caricatures in genre scenes.
Notes Title from item.
Place of publication deduced from place of operation of advertised business.
Date deduced from history of the advertised business and visual content.
Gift of David Doret.
Subject Clarence Brooks & Co.
African Americans -- Caricatures and cartoons.
African Americans -- Clothing & dress.
Courtship -- 1870-1880.
Ice skating.
Racism in popular culture.
Varnishing industry -- New York (State) -- New York.
Genre Chromolithographs -- 1870-1880.
Trade cards -- 1870-1880.
Location Library Company of Philadelphia| Print Department| Goldman Trade Card Collection - Clarence [P.2017.95.26]
Accession number P.2017.95.26