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Pierce, William J.
engraver.
25505
Cotton pressing in Louisiana
[graphic] /
A Hill del. ; Peirce sc.
[Boston:
s.n.,
1856]
1 print:
wood engraving;
image 13 x 25 cm. (5 x 10 in)
Illustration in Ballou's Pictorial Drawing-Room Companion, vol. X, no. 15 (April 12, 1856), p. 236.
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)
Fels Afro-Americana Image Project, Work Scenes.
Cotton machinery.
70518
African American agricultural laborers.
67105
Slave labor
Southern States.
Wood engravings
1850-1860.
gmgpc
Periodical illustrations
1850-1860.
gmgpc
SP3
African American History
Hill, A.,
artist.
Ballou's pictorial drawing-room companion.
Boston: F. Gleason [etc.], 1856.
Imprint
MA. Boston.
1856.
Library Company of Philadelphia
Rare
*Per B 1 5919.F v X n 15 April 12 1856 p 236
Digital image
https://digital.librarycompany.org/islandora/object/Islandora%3A2862
2003/04/09
ja
5919.F
R
*Per B 1 5919.F v X n 15 April 12 1856 p 236
5919.F
R
*Per B1 5919.F v X n 15 April 12 1856 p 236
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MA. Boston.
1856.
Imprint