Search results

Title: Our relations at home and abroad.
Description: Stephen's album drolleries no. 1., Attributed to James Queen after Henry Louis Stephens., Title from accompanying wrapper., Collection of twelve numbered and captioned comic cards satirizing the diplomatic relations between the United States, Confederate States, Great Britain, France, and Mexico during the Civil War. First nine cards show the British "surly lion" giving a "generous roar," (i.e., the recognition by Great Britain of the Confederacy); which "temporarily astonishes" the "Gallic Cock"; who eventually overpowers the lion; who later weeps "is he not a bird and brother" for a crow, (i.e. a slave of the South) at Exter Hall; "which he forgets in the embrace of the "Belligerent Wolf of the C.S.A." while stepping on the crow; which leads to his "arming of the wolf"; while the Mexican vulture is garroted by the Gallic cock (i.e., French intervention in Mexico); causing the lion to protect his rams with the introduction of the "Swamp Angel" and Greek fire,( i.e. the bombing of Charleston) by the American eagle; which causes the "grand combat" between the eagle and the wolf. Last three cards predict "to consult history" to see the Union victory of the eagle over the wolf; the eagle vindicating the Monroe Doctrine in Mexico by overthrowing the Gallic cock; and the little child Liberty leading the supplicant British lion and Gallic cock., Added to African Americana Digital Collection through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Creator: Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886, lithographer., creator
Date: c1863.
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia Print Dept. Henry Lewis Stephens Collection [5780.F.55a-l]

Title: Exeter Hall. The Lion weeps: "Is he not a bird and a brother?" [graphic]
Description: Attributed to James Queen after Henry Louis Stephens., Title from accompanying wrapper., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook of humorous caricatures and photographs., Depicts the lion who weeps "is he not a bird and brother" for a crow, (i.e. a slave of the South) at Exter Hall. Forms part of a collection of twelve numbered and captioned comic cards satirizing the diplomatic relations between the United States, Confederate States, Great Britain, France, and Mexico during the Civil War., Added to African Americana Digital Collection through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Creator: Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886, lithographer., creator, Stephens, H. L. (Henry Louis), 1824-1882 artist., creator
Date: c1863.
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia Print Dept. Henry Lewis Stephens Collection [5780.F.55i]

Title: Grand tableau of the future. The little child, Liberty, shall lead them. [graphic]
Description: Attributed to James Queen after Henry Louis Stephens., Title from accompanying wrapper., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook of humorous caricatures and photographs., Depicts the little child Liberty leading the supplicant British lion and Gallic cock. Forms part of a collection of twelve numbered and captioned comic cards satirizing the diplomatic relations between the United States, Confederate States, Great Britain, France, and Mexico during the Civil War., Added to African Americana Digital Collection through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014., Added to African Americana Digital Collection through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Creator: Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886, lithographer., creator, Stephens, H. L. (Henry Louis), 1824-1882 artist., creator
Date: c1863.
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia Print Dept. Henry Lewis Stephens Collection [5780.F.55a]

Title: For the precise period at which this occurred, consult history. [graphic]
Description: Attributed to James Queen after Henry Louis Stephens., Title from accompanying wrapper., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook of humorous caricatures and photographs., Depicts the victory of the eagle over the wolf. Forms part of a collection of twelve numbered and captioned comic cards satirizing the diplomatic relations between the United States, Confederate States, Great Britain, France, and Mexico during the Civil War., Added to African Americana Digital Collection through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Creator: Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886, lithographer., creator, Stephens, H. L. (Henry Louis), 1824-1882 artist., creator
Date: c1863.
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia Print Dept. Henry Lewis Stephens Collection [5780.F.55c]

Title: The Eagle vindicates the Monroe Doctrine in Mexico. [graphic]
Description: Attributed to James Queen after Henry Louis Stephens., Title from accompanying wrapper., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook of humorous caricatures and photographs., Depicts the eagle vindicating the Monroe Doctrine in Mexico by overthrowing the Gallic cock. Forms part of a collection of twelve numbered and captioned comic cards satirizing the diplomatic relations between the United States, Confederate States, Great Britain, France, and Mexico during the Civil War., Added to African Americana Digital Collection through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Creator: Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886, lithographer., creator, Stephens, H. L. (Henry Louis), 1824-1882 artist., creator
Date: c1863.
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia Print Dept. Henry Lewis Stephens Collection [5780.F.55b]

Title: Introduction of Master Swamp Angel: the Lion pockets his Rams. [graphic]
Description: Attributed to James Queen after Henry Louis Stephens., Title from accompanying wrapper., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook of humorous caricatures and photographs., Depicts the lion protecting his rams with the introduction of the "Swamp Angel" and Greek fire, ( i.e. the bombing of Charleston) by the American eagle. Forms part of a collection of twelve numbered and captioned comic cards satirizing the diplomatic relations between the United States, Confederate States, Great Britain, France, and Mexico during the Civil War., Added to African Americana Digital Collection through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Creator: Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886, lithographer., creator, Stephens, H. L. (Henry Louis), 1824-1882 artist., creator
Date: c1863.
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia Print Dept. Henry Lewis Stephens Collection [5780.F.55e]

Title: Grand combat between the Eagle and the Wolf. [graphic]
Description: Attributed to James Queen after Henry Louis Stephens., Title from accompanying wrapper., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook of humorous caricatures and photographs., Depicts the eagle and the wolf fighting. The lion hangs out of a window above the fight scene, near the words "police ; murder". Forms part of a collection of twelve numbered and captioned comic cards satirizing the diplomatic relations between the United States, Confederate States, Great Britain, France, and Mexico during the Civil War., Added to African Americana Digital Collection through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Creator: Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886, lithographer., creator, Stephens, H. L. (Henry Louis), 1824-1882 artist., creator
Date: c1863.
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia Print Dept. Henry Lewis Stephens Collection [5780.F.55d]

Title: The arming of the Wolf by his faithful squire. [graphic]
Description: Attributed to James Queen after Henry Louis Stephens., Title from accompanying wrapper., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook of humorous caricatures and photographs., Depicts the lion arming the wolf. The wolf stands with one foot on the lap of the lion, who is fixing his boots. Forms part of a collection of twelve numbered and captioned comic cards satirizing the diplomatic relations between the United States, Confederate States, Great Britain, France, and Mexico during the Civil War., Added to African Americana Digital Collection through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Creator: Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886, lithographer., creator, Stephens, H. L. (Henry Louis), 1824-1882 artist., creator
Date: c1863.
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia Print Dept. Henry Lewis Stephens Collection [5780.F.55g]

Title: Which temporarily astonished even the Gallic Cock. [graphic]
Description: Attributed to James Queen after Henry Louis Stephens., Title from accompanying wrapper., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook of humorous caricatures and photographs., Depicts the British lion roaring and astonishing the Gallic cock. Forms part of a collection of twelve numbered and captioned comic cards satirizing the diplomatic relations between the United States, Confederate States, Great Britain, France, and Mexico during the Civil War., Added to African Americana Digital Collection through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Creator: Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886, lithographer., creator, Stephens, H. L. (Henry Louis), 1824-1882 artist., creator
Date: c1863.
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia Print Dept. Henry Lewis Stephens Collection [5780.F.55k]

Title: Who responded with warlike vigor when the Lion caved. [graphic]
Description: Attributed to James Queen after Henry Louis Stephens., Title from accompanying wrapper., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook of humorous caricatures and photographs., Depicts the Gallic cock overpowering the British lion. Forms part of a collection of twelve numbered and captioned comic cards satirizing the diplomatic relations between the United States, Confederate States, Great Britain, France, and Mexico during the Civil War., Added to African Americana Digital Collection through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Creator: Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886, lithographer., creator, Stephens, H. L. (Henry Louis), 1824-1882 artist., creator
Date: c1863.
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia Print Dept. Henry Lewis Stephens Collection [5780.F.55j]

Title: The Mexican Vulture garroted by the Gallic Cock. [graphic]
Description: Attributed to James Queen after Henry Louis Stephens., Title from accompanying wrapper., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook of humorous caricatures and photographs., The Gallic cock is strangling the Mexican vulture and has his knife raised, about to stab him in this scene (i.e., French intervention in Mexico). Forms part of a collection of twelve numbered and captioned comic cards satirizing the diplomatic relations between the United States, Confederate States, Great Britain, France, and Mexico during the Civil War., Added to African Americana Digital Collection through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Creator: Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886, lithographer., creator, Stephens, H. L. (Henry Louis), 1824-1882 artist., creator
Date: c1863.
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia Print Dept. Henry Lewis Stephens Collection [5780.F.55f]

Title: On England's muggy shore a surly lion gave a grievous roar! [graphic]
Description: Attributed to James Queen after Henry Louis Stephens., Title from accompanying wrapper., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook of humorous caricatures and photographs., Depicts the British lion roaring from the coast of England, with the "Trent" (RMS Trent of the Trent Affair) steamship afloat in the background. Forms part of a collection of twelve numbered and captioned comic cards satirizing the diplomatic relations between the United States, Confederate States, Great Britain, France, and Mexico during the Civil War., Added to African Americana Digital Collection through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Creator: Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886, lithographer., creator, Stephens, H. L. (Henry Louis), 1824-1882 artist., creator
Date: c1863.
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia Print Dept. Henry Lewis Stephens Collection [5780.F.55l]

Title: Which he forgets in the embrace of the belligerent Wolf of the C.S.A. [graphic]
Description: Attributed to James Queen after Henry Louis Stephens., Title from accompanying wrapper., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook of humorous caricatures and photographs., Depicts the lion and the wolf shaking hands, and stepping on the crow. Forms part of a collection of twelve numbered and captioned comic cards satirizing the diplomatic relations between the United States, Confederate States, Great Britain, France, and Mexico during the Civil War., Added to African Americana Digital Collection through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Creator: Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886, lithographer., creator, Stephens, H. L. (Henry Louis), 1824-1882 artist., creator
Date: c1863.
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia Print Dept. Henry Lewis Stephens Collection [5780.F.55h]

Title: Abolitionist
Description: A man, one half of his body shown as a white man and the other half as an African American man, lectures in front of a small table. He holds an umbrella with his African American hand, as well as wears no shoe on his African American foot., Text: Whew! don't you know that you're played out? That your occupation's gone? Why do you make such fuss about that poor old well-pick'd bone? Or are you lost, so far corrupted, You can't improve 'till re-constructed?
Date: ca. 1865-1866

Title: The darktown fire brigade - saved!
Description: Comic print using racist imagery to satirize African American men firefighters. Shows a brigade of eight African American firefighters during a rescue of an African American family from a burning wooden house. Flames and smoke extend from the right side of the roof of a two-story residence. In the center foreground, two firefighters, one not wearing a helmet, hold open a striped blanket. A woman attired in a white nightgown and holding her gown down with one hand and a fan with the other is midair and about to drop, feet first, into it. In the left, another firefighter runs out of the doorway of the building and with a woman over his shoulder. She wears a white cap and night gown. In the right, a fourth firefighter sprays water from a hose into the body of a man in a white nightshirt stuck in a hole in the roof. His head and chest poke through the hole and his legs project out through an upper floor window. The firefighter uses a hose that extends from a fire engine marked "Niagara."It is being pumped by four other firefighters in the right background. The firefighters stand on barrels and push the lever of the water pump on the engine. In the far right distance, another firefighter attends to a donkey. The firefighters are attired in red shirts, blue pants, and black boots. Four men wear helmets, one man wears a top hat, and two men are bare-headed. The men and women figures are portrayed with wide eyes and lips, and large feet. The rescued family members are bare foot. The Darktown series of over 100 prints was originally issued mid 1870s-1890s. Thomas Worth was the artist of several of the prints in the reported popular and profitable series. Joseph Koehler reissued the prints in the early 1900s., Title from item., Reprint of number from "Darktown" comics series originally published in 1884. Joseph Koehler purchased over 200 lithographic stones, including the "Darktown" series, from the Currier & Ives firm following its dissolution in 1907., Contains copyright statement: Copyright 1884, By Currier & Ives, N. Y.
Creator: Currier & Ives
Date: [ca. 1907]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *GC - Genre - Darktown [P.2019.55.4]

Title: [Set of six African American caricature trade cards advertising Franz Aman, wine, liquor, and lager beer saloon, no. 727 North Second Street, Philadelphia]
Description: Set of racist trade cards, some captioned, depicting African American male and female caricatures and stereotypes. Figures portrayed with malproportioned facial features. Captioned cards include "A New Coon in Town" showing an African American dandy, with a cigarette in his mouth, and attired in a grey bowler, purple jacket with flower boutonnière, red stiff-collared shirt, blue checkered pants, and red socks accessorized with yellow gloves, a monocle, and an umbrella; "Bones" showing an African American minstrel performer, attired in a ruffled clown collared shirt and red jacket with tails while playing sticks above his head and side kicking; and "Did you see me" showing a comic African American male figure, holding his bowler in the air and with one foot extended toward the viewer ("Did you see me" written on the sole of his foot). Uncaptioned cards depict an African American minstrel figure, attired in a ruffled collared shirt, seated, and holding a tambourine on his knee (probably originally captioned 'I don't do this for a livin"); an older African American woman, attired in a bonnet, shawl, and apron, resembling a cook and smoking a pipe (probably originally captioned "Just like the old me"); and a curvaceous African American woman attired in a red hat, square neck, knee-length dress, sash, and red stockings while side stepping. Cards advertise the saloon operated by Franz Aman at the address listed 1886-1888, a period when "Coon" songs were a fad. The "Bones" and "Tambourine" figures were often a part of the standard first act of a three-act minstrel performance, Title supplied by cataloger., Two of the six cards contain slightly legible captions printed over with gold ink.
Date: [ca. 1886]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department trade cards - Aman [P.2014.26.1]

Title: Stephens' album drolleries no. 1 Our relations at home and abroad
Description: Collection of twelve numbered and captioned comic cards satirizing the diplomatic relations between the United States, Confederate States, Great Britain, France, and Mexico during the Civil War. First nine cards show the British "surly lion" giving a "generous roar," (i.e., the recognition by Great Britain of the Confederacy); which "temporarily astonishes" the "Gallic Cock"; who eventually overpowers the lion; who later weeps "is he not a bird and brother" for a crow, (i.e. an enslaved person of the South) at Exeter Hall; "which he forgets in the embrace of the "Belligerent Wolf of the C.S.A." while stepping on the crow; which leads to his "arming of the wolf"; while the Mexican vulture is garroted by the Gallic cock (i.e., French intervention in Mexico); causing the lion to protect his rams with the introduction of the "Swamp Angel" and Greek fire, (i.e. the bombing of Charleston) by the American eagle; which causes the "grand combat" between the eagle and the wolf. Last three cards predict "to consult history" to see the Union victory of the eagle over the wolf; the eagle vindicating the Monroe Doctrine in Mexico by overthrowing the Gallic cock; and the little child Liberty leading the supplicant British lion and Gallic cock., Attributed to James Queen after Henry Louis Stephens., Title from accompanying wrapper., Date from copyright statement by William A. Stephens., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook of humorous caricatures and photographs. McAllister Collection, gift, 1886., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Queen, a Philadelphia lithographer and pioneer chromolithographer known for his attention to detail, served in the Civil War militia from 1862 until 1863, and created several lithographs with Civil War subjects.
Creator: Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886, lithographer
Date: 1863
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Henry Louis Stephens Collection [5780.F.55a-l]

Title: Sketches for the Washington Races in October 1840 British steeds of your speed I have not a doubt, but if Yankees an't stouter they are as stout, a black jock, in looks so much like a monkey, rides a good horse as an ape rides a donkey
Description: Portfolio containing three prints depicting African American men jockeys, portrayed in racist caricature, speaking in the vernacular, and attired in long underwear, during key moments from a two-mile heat at the Washington Race Course in Charleston, South Carolina. Pl. 1 shows the beginning of the race with three jockeys reigning in and spurring on their horses. Caption reads: At the tap of the drum they jump off from the stand, Be the track deep in mud or heavy with sand, At a pace which at once makes fast ones extend, An e'en the best winded cry bellows to mend. Pl. 2 shows two jockeys racing past a fence as one prepares to whip his mount that trails behind. Caption reads: And now they have reach'd the third mile, second heat, The mare is still going, the horse is dead beat; Say Sambo "Me know how Mass him do it, so me gib him de whip, and make him stick to it." Pl. 3 shows the horse previously in the lead winning the race in a stagger by the judge's stand filled with well-dressed gentlemen. The other jockey races in from behind. Caption reads: Now the Winner comes in decidely blown, Tho 'ere two miles were done the race was her own, but they go the whole hog in this western clime, When they've beaten the field they run against time. The Washington Race Course, also known as the Charleston Race Course, was developed by 1792 and served as the one-mile track for the South Carolina Jockey club annual one-week races in early February. The jockeys were usually enslaved men and the races were a series of two, three, and four mile heats run by the same jockeys and horses. The track closed circa 1900., "Eye witness" attributed as conservative British politician Charles Newdigate Newdegate., Inscribed on front cover: the Lord Brook. Sir Richard Henry Greville, 3rd Earl of Warwick was known as Lord Brook in his later years., Plates numbered in upper right corner: Pl. 1; Pl. 2; Pl. 3., Purchased with funds from the Albert M. Greenfield Foundation., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Part of digital collections catalog through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Creator: Newdegate, Charles Newdigate, 1816-1887
Date: [ca. 1840]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *albums (flat) [P.2010.8.1-3]

Title: The adventures of a conscript as told by himself
Description: Collection of twelve numbered and captioned comic cards using humanized animals to portray domestic and military scenes in the life of a conscripted rabbit. Includes cards showing the rabbit reviewing a "Draft" poster and declaring himself a patriot if drafted; the rabbit receiving the "agonizing fact" of his draft notice; his failed attempt to employ a substitute - a "Quack" of a duck rejected by a donkey of a surgeon (Dr. Donkey); his farewell to his love; his "fearful carnage" of the foe; his retreat to make "a sturdy rebel fly"; his successful "perilous duty" to deliver "despatches" to an owl general, including a confrontation by "a band of Gorillas," portrayed as racist caricatures, and his beheading of the Gorilla Chief; his promotion to Brigadier General; and his release from duty to "crown his glory with love" in wedded bliss., Attributed to James Queen after Henry Louis Stephens., Title from series title., Date from copyright statement by William A. Stephens., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook of humorous caricatures and photographs. McAllister Collection, gift, 1886., Described in Gathering history: The Marian S. Carson Collection of Americana. (Washington, DC: Library of Congress, 1999), p. 91., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Queen, a Philadelphia lithographer and pioneer chromolithographer known for his attention to detail, served in the Civil War militia from 1862 until 1863, and created several lithographs with Civil War subjects.
Creator: Queen, James Fuller, 1820 or 21-1886, lithographer
Date: 1863
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Henry Louis Stephens Collection [5780.F.56a-l]

Title: He dreamt dat from away off thar de angels sent him news. He 'woke and found it was Dunbarr dat sent dem bully shoes; 60 N. Fourth St. Philadelphia
Description: Racist, satiric trade card depicting an African American man, portrayed in racist caricature and attired in a straw hat, a white collared shirt, pants with patches at the knee, and old shoes, sleeping with his back resting against a haystack in a field. A rifle is propped on the haystack beside him. An African American angel with wings flies toward the sleeping man with a pair of boots in his outstretched right hand. In the background is a scarecrow. Text printed on the recto describing the scene is written in the vernacular. Burns & Zeigler succeeded the firm of Geo. S. Clogg & Son in 1875., Title from item., Date inferred from dates of operation of business., Contains advertising text printed on verso: E. L. Burns. F. T. Zeigler. Burns & Zeigler, dealers in fashionable boots and shoes, No. 1109 Pennsylvania Avenue, betw. Eleventh and Twelfth Sts., Washington, D.C. F. Lisiewski & Co., prs., 639 Arch St., Gift of Emily Phillips, 1883., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Creator: Donaldson Brothers (Firm)
Date: [ca. 1875]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department trade card - Burns & Zeigler [1975.F.33]

Title: Life in Philadelphia. "Dat is bery fine, Mr. Mortimer..."
Description: Racist caricature of an African American couple singing and playing guitar in a parlor. In the right, "Mr Mortimer," stands with his right hand over his heart and with his other holding a sheet of music. He wears mutton chops and is attired in a brown coat with tails, a white bow tie, black pants, black stockings, black slipper shoes, and white gloves. His eyes look up and his mouth is open. He sings a love song while the woman seated in the left plays a guitar decorated with blue ribbons. Her head is turned toward the man and she sits on a bench with a blue cushion. She wears a large white bonnet adorned with red and blue bows and with ribbons tied into a bow under her chin. She is also attired in a maroon dress with long puff sleeves, black trim, and a laced bodice, black ankle-tied slipper shoes, as well as rings on her fingers. She comments that he sings "con a moor as de Italians say!!" The figures are portrayed with oversized and exaggerated features. Their skin tone is depicted with brown hand coloring. Setting also includes a carpet with a decorative pattern., Title from item., Date supplied by article about print in Daily Chronicle, December 10, 1829, p. 2., Contains eight lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect above the image: Dat is bery fine, Mr. Mortimer, _ you sing quite con a moor, as de Italians say!! “Take away, take away dos rosy lips, “Rich, rich in balmy treasure!_”Turn away, turn away dose eyes o blub, “Less I die wid pleasure!!!”, Inscribed: Plate 12., Inscribed: Copy right secured., S. Hart & Son was a partnership between Sarah and Abraham Hart, Jewish owners of a Philadelphia stationery store who assumed the publishing of the "Life in Philadelphia" series in 1829. She reprinted the entire series of 14 prints in 1830., Described in Daily Chronicle, December 10, 1829, p. 2., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021.
Creator: Clay, Edward Williams, 1799-1857, etcher
Date: 1829
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (Philadelphia Set) [P.9694]

Title: [Folk art portraits of two African American women and two African American men]
Description: Folk art bust-length portraits of two African American men and two African American women, portrayed in racist caricature, shown in a row, alternating woman, then man. In the left, the woman, wearing her hair in two braids tied with blue bows on either side of her head that stick out, with red lips, and attired in an off-the-shoulder blue dress with ruffles, faces forward with her eyes looking left. Beside her the man, with red lips and attired in a white collared shirt, a pink tie, and a black jacket, slightly faces left and his eyes look at the woman. The woman, wearing her hair tied in multiple braids, with pink lips, and attired in a pink, ruffled dress, looks to the left. In the right, the man, with pink lips and attired in a blue bowtie, a white shirt with blue stripes, and a black jacket, faces left and looks at the woman., Title supplied by cataloger., Gift of Mrs. S. Marguerite Brenner, 1984., RVCDC, Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022., Part of digital collections catalog through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Date: [1909]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Drawings & Watercolors - Unidentified - Faces [P.9057.28]

Title: Life in Philadelphia. The cut direct. or getting up in the world
Description: Racist caricature portraying nouveau riche African Americans as prejudiced against lower class African Americans. Depicts an African American bootblack greeting an elegantly dressed African American couple who feign ignorance of the man's acquaintance after their return from New York. The raggedly dressed bootblack, while holding his rod of boots in one hand, uses his other hand to grab the hand of "Casar." "Casar" dressed in a hat and overcoat looks suspiciously at their joined hands. He states that the bootblack has mistaken his identity as his wife, dressed in a large bonnet with feathers and a veil and a dark overcoat, confirms the mistake and adds, "we are Guinea People, you Imperdent Nigger.", Charles Ingrey was one of the premier London lithographic printers of the 1830s., Nancy Reynolds Davison's E.W. Clay: American Political Caricaturist of Jacksonian America (PhD. diss., The University of Michigan, 1980), p. 80-81. (LCP Print Room Uz, A423.O).
Date: [ca. 1832]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (London Set) [7893.F.2]

Title: Life in Philadelphia. The cut direct. or getting up in the world
Description: Racist caricature portraying nouveau riche African Americans as prejudiced against lower class African Americans. Depicts an African American bootblack greeting an elegantly dressed African American couple who feign ignorance of the man's acquaintance after their return from New York. The raggedly dressed bootblack, while holding his rod of boots in one hand, uses his other hand to grab the hand of "Casar." "Casar" dressed in a hat and overcoat looks suspiciously at their joined hands. He states that the bootblack has mistaken his identity as his wife, dressed in a large bonnet with feathers and a veil and a dark overcoat, confirms the mistake and adds, "we are Guinea People, you Imperdent Nigger.", Charles Ingrey was one of the premier London lithographic printers of the 1830s., Nancy Reynolds Davison's E.W. Clay: American Political Caricaturist of Jacksonian America (PhD. diss., The University of Michigan, 1980), p. 80-81. (LCP Print Room Uz, A423.O)
Date: [ca. 1832]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (London Set) (P.9718a)

Title: Life in Philadelphia. The cut direct. or how to get up in the world
Description: Racist caricature portraying nouveau riche African Americans as prejudiced against lower class African Americans. Depicts an African American bootblack greeting an elegantly dressed African American couple who feign ignorance of the man's acquaintance after their return from New York. The raggedly dressed bootblack, while holding his rod of boots in one hand, uses his free hand to grab the hand of "Casar." "Casar" dressed in a hat and overcoat looks suspiciously at their joined hands. He states that the bootblack has mistaken his identity as his wife, dressed in a large bonnet with feathers and a veil and a dark overcoat, confirms the mistake and adds, "we are Guinea People, you Imperdent Nigger.", Charles Ingrey was one of the premier London lithographic printers of the 1830s., Nancy Davison's E.W. Clay: American Political Caricaturist of Jacksonian America (PhD. diss., The University of Michigan, 1980), p. 80-81. (LCP Uz, A423.O).
Date: [ca. 1833]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (London Set) [P.9718b]

Title: Life in New York
Description: Collection of social caricatures lampooning the pretensions of early 19th century middle-class African American New Yorkers. Influenced by an increased fascination with American culture and a growing racism pending the abolition of slavery in England, the black characters are depicted in outlandish dress with exaggerated manners, and speaking in patois and malapropisms in an inept attempt to mimic white high society. The caricatures focus on courtship and the merchant of a steam press laundry., English reprint of the Anthony Imbert series "Life in New York" originally published around 1830. Although the American series consisted of at least eight prints, the number of prints included in the London series is unknown. LCP holds two of the series. The English prints were published in London in the early 1830s by W.H. Isaacs, H. Isaacs, and G.S. Tregear., Nancy Reynolds Davison's E.W. Clay: American Political Caricaturist of Jacksonian America (PhD. diss., The University of Michigan, 1980), p. 93-97. (LCP Print Room Uz, A423.O)., Part of digital collections catalog through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Date: [ca. 1831]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in New York (London Set)

Title: Clarence Brooks & Co., manufacturers of fine coach varnishes, cor. West & West 12th Sts., New York "ceticism my belobed bredren. It am something beautiful frinstance it am light and airy - like de bean."
Description: Trade card employing an African American Oscar Wilde caricature. Wilde toured the United States in 1882. The Wilde figure, wearing long hair and attired in blue knee breeches with red bows, a red jacket with tails, black socks, and gold slippers lectures to an audience of well-attired African American men and women. He stands at a table adorned with a piece of paper, a candle in a bottle, and a water glass containing a sunflower. To his left, an older frowning man sits with an umbrella between his knees on the stage, while in the first row, two women (one wearing a sunflower on her hat) swoon in front of a lanky man, standing, and looking moonfaced. 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., Publication date inferred from image content., Purchased with the Davida T. Deutsch African American History Fund.
Date: [ca. 1882]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department trade card - Brooks [P.2014.35]

Title: Harm oneons Carolina melodies arranged for the piano forte
Description: Sheet music cover showing the minstrel group, the Harmoneons, in Blackface as a musical group playing in a tropical setting. The four men and one man dressed as a woman are seated and play instruments, including a triangle, fiddle, banjo, tambourine, and clappers. The men are attired in button-down, yellow striped shirts and white pants, and the woman in a short-sleeved, red and white dress. Palm trees, a mountain side, and ocean are visible in the background. The entertainers' and their characters' names are printed below the image: Js. Power as Toney; M. S. Pike as Fanny; L. V. N. Crosby as Pomp; F. Lynch as Gumbo; and Jno. Power as Sambo. The Harmoneons, founded by Crosby and originally managed by J. Simmons Davis, were one of the earliest minstrel troupes in the United States and were active into the 1860s., Blackface minstrelsy is a popular entertainment form, originating in the United States in the mid-19th century and remaining in American life through the 20th century. The form is based around stereotypical and racist portrayals of African Americans, including mocking dialect, parodic lyrics, and the application of Black face paint; all designed to portray African Americans as othered subjects of humor and disrespect. Blackface was a dominant form for theatrical and musical performances for decades, both on stage and in private homes., Title from item., Date from copyright statement: Entered according to act of Congress in the year 1845 by C. Bradlee & Co. in the clerk's office of the District Cou[rt]., Title list of scores printed on recto., Facsimile signature of minstrel L. V. N. Crosby printed on recto. LCP copy contains partial signature., Gift of Michael Zinman, 2009., Description of Blackface minstrelsy from Dorothy Berry, Descriptive Equity and Clarity around Blackface Minstrelsy in H(arvard) T(heater) C(ollection) Collections, 2021., Lower corners missing., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Part of digital collections catalog through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Creator: Sharp, William, 1803-1875, artist
Date: 1845
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department GC - Entertainment - H [P.2009.25]

Title: I'm a masher
Description: Set of five collecting cards depicting African Americans, portrayed in racist caricature with grotesque facial features, to satirize womanizing, courtship, marriage, and fatherhood. Includes (1) "I'm a Masher" showing a dapperly-dressed African American man, attired in a derby hat, a red bow tie with yellow polka dots, a yellow waistcoat, a blue jacket, and a watch fob, holding up a swagger stick, as well as cigarette that he smokes; (2) "I've Made a Mash" showing the "masher" in a close embrace with a stylishly-dressed African American woman, attired in a red dress with black polka dots, gold drop earrings, and yellow gloves; (3) "I'm Married" showing the couple on promenade with the woman, attired in a red dress with a yellow bow, a yellow and red hat, and white gloves, and the man, smoking a cigarette, and attired in a green bowler hat, a red ascot with shiny cravat pin, a blue jacket with a yellow flower boutonniere, a matching yellow with gray striped waistcoat and pants, and red gloves; (4) 'Home Sweet Home" showing the man, attired in a white collared shirt and blue-striped pants, seated with a look of anguish and surrounded by his six small children; (5) "Dady's [sic] Dead" showing the children as older and dancing around their father's grave adorned with a headstone inscribed "To the Memory of the Masher." Masher was a later 19th-century slang term for a womanizer, known for garish clothes and a vulgar manner., Copyrighted., Series no. printed in upper right corner., Purchased with funds from the Albert M. Greenfield Foundation., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Part of digital collections catalog through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014., Chicago Picture Co, a Chicago publishing firm of advertising card and novelties, was active circa 1881-circa 1883.
Creator: Chicago Picture Co.
Date: [ca. 1882]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department GC - Genre [P.2012.25.1-5]

Title: "De breddren and sisters will now relate dere experience."
Description: Set of five collecting cards depicting African Americans, portrayed in racist caricature with grotesque facial features and speaking in the vernacular, satirizing African American church life. Includes (1) "De Breddren and Sisters Will Now Relate Dere Experience" showing a white-haired African American minister at his pulpit before a small congregation of mostly African American women, attired in kerchiefs, and seated in pews; (2) Sister Hannibal. - "Oh Breddren and Sisters, Ise an Awful Sinner" showing Sister Hannibal standing up and confessing among the other congregants; (3) Sister Snowball. - "Yes, Breddren and Sisters, Dats So, I Kin Testify Dat Sister Hannibal is an Awful Sinner. I knows It" showing Sister Snowball standing, her hands clasped across her stomach, while Sister Hannibal, sits and frowns, and the minister rests his hand on his head; (4) "Sister Snowball, You Am a Liar" showing the "sisters" fighting among the other parishioners, who are in various states of commotion; (5) "De Congregation Am Dismissed" showing white men police officers escorting the congregation out of the church, including an unconscious Sister Hannibal in a handcart. Images also show the church interior and exterior, including windows, steps, and a tree., Title from item., Date of publication inferred from date of copyright, Series no. printed in upper left corner., Purchased with funds from the Albert M. Greenfield Foundation., RVCDC, Part of digital collections catalog through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014., Sammis & Latham was a New York publishing firm active in 1882 that issued comic card sets and juvenile novelty items.
Creator: Sammis & Latham
Date: 1882
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department GC - Genre [P.2012.24.1-5]

Title: "I'm a farder"
Description: Set of four collecting cards depicting racist caricatures of African Americans to satirize fatherhood and the question of paternity. Titles are in the vernacular. Includes "I'm a Farder" showing a dapperly-dressed African American man, attired in a white collared shirt, a red tie, a gray waistcoat, a blue jacket, and blue-and-white striped pants. He talks to his "Aunty," an African American woman, attired in a red and yellow head kerchief, hoop earrings, a green and red shawl, a red dress, and a white apron, and holding her hands to her chest; "Aunty Says Der Am Two" showing the man with a sheepish look and his hands in his pockets while "Aunty" smiles; "And Dat One Am kinder White" showing the man aghast and standing straight up as "Aunty" holds out her hands in a near gesture of comfort; and "If Dat Chile Dont Change Color Der'l Be Trouble in Dis Yer Fam'ly" showing the man forlorn, hands in pockets, and looking down at this two infants being held by "Aunty" in her lap, while she sits in a chair under a placard reading "Bless Our Home." The baby in the left has a dark skin tone, and the baby in the right has a light skin tone., Copyrighted., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Purchase 2012., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Purchased with funds from the Albert M. Greenfield Foundation., Part of digital collections catalog through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Date: [ca. 1880]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department GC - Genre [P.2012.23.1-4]

Title: Life in Philadelphia (London)
Description: Collection of social caricatures lampooning the pretensions of early 19th-century middle-class Philadelphians, mainly the city's growing community of free African Americans. Influenced by an increasing fascination with American culture and a growing racism stemming from the abolition of slavery in England, the African American characters are depicted with grotesque features and manners, wearing outlandish clothes, and speaking in patois and malapropisms to be portrayed as ineptly attempting to mimic white high society. Subject matter of the caricatures include absurd scenes of courtship and displays of etiquette on the street, at residences, at society balls, and in allegory; fashion; promenades; the abolition of slavery; the election of President Andrew Jackson; tea parties; and depictions of African Americans at work., British reprint of E.W. Clay's "Life in Philadelphia" series with ten of the original fourteen prints redrawn by William Summers, etched with aquatint by Charles Hunt, and published by Harrison Isaacs in London in the early 1830s. W.H. Isaacs continued issuing the prints altering the original content of the series by adding new subjects and removing the white caricatures. Around 1833 engraver and print seller, Gabriel Shire Treager assumed the publication of the series and added six new subjects creating a series of twenty. In 1834, Tregear published a similar series of caricatures in book form without the "Life in Philadelphia" moniker entitled, "Tregear's Black Jokes, being a Series of Laughable Caricatures in the March of Manners amongst Blacks." In 1860, London publisher T. C. Lewis reissued the series of twenty prints. Variants of prints from the series and additional caricatures with similar content; "The Cut Direct," "Sketches of Character. At Home and Abroad," "Philadelphia Dandies," and "The Lay Patroness of Alblacks" have been included as a part of the series., LCP AR [Annual Report] 1967 p. 51-53., LCP AR [Annual Report] 1968 p. 18-20., Nancy Reynolds Davison's E.W. Clay: American Political Caricaturist of the Jacksonian Era (PhD. diss., The University of Michigan, 1980), p. 85-100. (LCP Print Room Uz, A423.O)
Creator: Summers, William, artist
Date: ca. 1831-ca. 1860, bulk 1831-1834
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (London Set)

Title: Life in Philadelphia. An unfair reflection
Description: Racist caricature depicting an African American man dandy, in his bedroom, grooming himself in front of a full-length mirror adorned with a candle holder and lit candle. He holds a brush up with his right hand to the top of his head of hair which is in a pompadour style. He holds a comb in his left hand that rests on his hip. He stands with his legs apart. He is attired in a blue waistcoat with tails, a white shirt, vest, and cravat, black pants, and black shoes. A handkerchief hangs out of the back pocket of his jacket. He ponders Miss Carolina's "unfair reflection" about the "paleness" of his complexion. Scene also includes a pitcher and towel rest, a partial view of a bed with a canopy next to a bedside table on which a straightening iron rests beside a candle stick. Also shows a full-length rug on the floor. The man is depicted with oversize and exaggerated features. His skin tone is depicted with black hand coloring., Title from image., Date inferred from content and name of publisher., Contains one bubble of dialogue in the vernacular within image: It was Bery unfair of Miss Carolina to Reflect on Paleness ob my Complexion. I consider dat I hab got a bery Good Color., Charles Hunt was a respected 19th-century London engraver and etcher known mostly for his prints of sporting subjects., RVCDC, Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022.
Creator: Summers, William, artist
Date: [ca. 1833]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (London Set) [P.9710.2]

Title: Life in Philadelphia. An unfair reflection
Description: Racist caricature depicting an African American man dandy, in his bedroom, grooming himself in front of a full-length mirror adorned with a candle holder and lit candle. He holds a brush up with his right hand to the top of his head of hair which is in a pompadour style. He holds a comb in his left hand that rests on his hip. He stands with his legs apart. He is attired in a green waistcoat with tails, a white shirt and cravat, yellow vest, black pants, and black shoes. A handkerchief hangs out of the back pocket of his jacket. He ponders Miss Carolina's "unfair reflection" about the "paleness" of his complexion. Scene also includes a pitcher and towel rest, a partial view of a bed with a canopy next to a bedside table on which a straightening iron rests beside a candle stick. Also shows a full-length rug on the floor. The man is depicted with oversize and exaggerated features. His skin tone is depicted with black hand coloring., Title from item., Date inferred from content and name of publisher., Contains one bubble of dialogue in the vernacular within image: It was Bery unfair of Miss Carolina to Reflect on Paleness ob my Complexion. I consider dat I hab got a bery Good Color., Charles Hunt was a respected 19th-century London engraver and etcher known mostly for his prints of sporting subjects., RVCDC, Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022.
Creator: Summers, William, artist
Date: [ca. 1860]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (London Set) [P.9713.1]

Title: Smoke Day's standard of the world Durham smoking tobacco
Description: Racist advertisement for J.R. Day and Brother smoking tobacco depicting a horse race between two African American men jockeys, portrayed in caricature. In the right, the jockey, attired in a blue and yellow cap and long-sleeved shirt, yellow pants, and riding boots, grimaces as he holds the reins to his white horse. The winning jockey, attired in a red and white striped cap and long-sleeved shirt, yellow pants, and riding boots, grasps the reins as his body lifts off of his brown horse. He screams, “Bound to win!” In the background, white men, all smoking pipes with "Day's Standard" tobacco, watch the race from a spectators' box behind a fence inscribed, "They all smoke it?" James R. Day left W.T. Blackwell & Co. in 1878 and applied for a patent for his smokeless tobacco in 1879., Title from item., Date inferred from operation of the advertised business., Text printed below image: Manufactured by Jas. R. Day, Late of the firm of W.T. Blackwell & Co. for J.R. Day & Bro, Durham, N.C., Gift of Carol Baldridge, 1997., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Part of digital collections catalog through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Date: [ca. 1880]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *GC - Advertisements [P.9525]

Title: Uncle Tom's Cabin. On the Levee
Description: Racist scene derived from Stowe's popular abolitionist book, probably a theater advertisement for a minstrel production. Depicts enslaved African American men and women, portrayed in racist caricature with exaggerated facial features, having a hoedown on a levee. In the foreground, two women and two men dance facing the viewer. In the left, the woman, attired in a straw hat with a white ribbon tied over the hat and under her chin, a pink smock, a green skirt, black stockings, and black shoes, puts her right foot on its heel and raises her left arm up. Beside her the man, attired in a yellow collared shirt, red suspenders, gray and yellow checked pants, and brown shoes, steps back on his right leg as he raised his right arm up. Beside him, the woman, attired in a yellow headkerchief, a green collared shirt with red polka dots, a copper colored skirt with black polka dots, black stockings, and black shoes, holds her skirt with her right hand as her left hand touches her mouth. In the right, the man, attired in a yellow collared shirt with red stripes, white overalls, and black shoes, leans to the right with both hands in his pockets. Seated in the right, two men play banjos. More African American men and women, seated and standing, clap, sing, and raise their arms up. In the background are stacks of wooden crates, and the water is visible., Title from item., Date from copyright statement: Copyright 1899. Courier Litho. Co. Buffalo, N.Y., Purchase 1988., RVCDC, Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022., Part of digital collections catalog through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Date: 1899
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department **GC - Entertainment [P.9219]

Title: [Migrating African Americans emancipated from enslavement]
Description: Drawing by Alexander Kitzmiller, a 24-year-old Pennsylvania German, prisoner Number 4780 at Eastern State Penitentiary. Depicts two African American families of freedom seekers emancipated from enslavement, portrayed in racist caricature, migrating on horseback and on foot. In the left, an African American man, barefoot and attired in a yellow hat, a blue collared shirt, and orange and white patterned pants, rides on a mule with his son and daughter. Behind him walking on foot is a boy, attired in a soldier’s cap, a red collared shirt with a red tie, and blue pants with suspenders and the African American mother, attired in a red head kerchief, hoop earrings, a yellow dress, and yellow and black shoes, who holds the arm of her daughter. The young girl, attired in a blue hat and a red and white striped dress, carries a Black doll. In the right, another family walks, including an African American man, attired in a yellow hat, a red and white striped collared shirt with a brown tie, white pants, and black boots, who carries a bundle on a stick; an African American woman, attired in a white head kerchief, hoop earrings, a red dress, and yellow and black shoes, who carries a baby on her shoulder, and a boy, attired in a soldier’s cap, an orange collared shirt, blue pants with suspenders, and brown shoes, who has his hand in his pants pocket. Adaption of Francis B. Schell's illustration, "Arrival at Chicksaw Bayou of the negro slaves of Jefferson Davis, from his plantation on the Mississippi," published in Frank Leslie's Illustrated newspaper on August 8, 1863., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred from content and tenure dates of S.W. Woodhouse as physician at Eastern State Penitentiary., Manuscript note on verso: Presented to me by a German prisoner in the State Penitentiary of Pennsylvania during my residency there. S.W. Woodhouse, M.D., Woodhouse was a Philadelphia surgeon, naturalist, and pioneer ornithologist who served as resident physician at the Eastern State Penitentiary from 1862 to 1863., Lib. Company. Annual report, 1997, p. 37., Purchase 1997., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Part of digital collections catalog through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Creator: Kitzmiller, Alexander, approximately 1839-, artist
Date: [1863]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Drawings & Watercolors - Kitzmiller [P.9547]

Title: A line shot - the recoil
Description: Comic print using racist stereotypes to satirize the gunmanship of African Americans. Shows an older African American couple, portrayed in racist caricature with exaggerated features and mannerisms, in the aftermath of the husband firing a shot in their backyard. Shows, in the left, the husband, attired in blue coat tails and striped pants, jumping a fence, his gun powder horn flying above his head, and his rifle and hunter's hat lying on the ground behind him. He is accompanied by his dogs, a bony brown dog climbing over the fence with him, and a pit-bull like dog who holds his owner's torn pants seat in his jaws as he prepares to follow him. In the right, his wife, attired in a yellow bonnet, a blue top, a red skirt, and white pantaloons, topples over in a wicker basket of laundry. Her shoes fly off her feet. The clothesline pole lands on her head as her bare-footed legs are knocked into the air. Pieces of clothing, including a gunshot white shirt with clothes pins at the shoulders fly about her. A log house with a chimney and a dog house are visible in the background. The Darktown series of over 100 prints was issued mid 1870s-1890s. Thomas Worth was the artist of several of the prints in the reported popular and profitable series., Title printed below image., Issued as part of the "Darktown" comics series., Date from copyright statement: Copyright 1881 By Currier & Ives, N. Y., Gift of David Maxey, 2015., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021.
Creator: Currier & Ives
Date: 1881
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department *GC - Genre - Line [P.2015.52.1]

Title: Josh educating a pig
Description: Racist periodical illustration that illustrated the James Fenimore Cooper serial "The Islets of the Gulf, or Rose Budd" in the January 1847 issue of Graham's Magazine. Depicts the scene from the story set during the Mexican-American War aboard a sailing ship when the character Josh, an older Black man cabin hand, teaches a pig "to know their place"-- not to be on the quarter-deck--with scalding water. Shows, in the right, on a ship deck, Josh, attired in a blue-checkered shirt, red vest and tie, yellow pants, and boots, standing with his legs apart, and holding a cloth in his right hand and a kettle in his left hand. He pours "scalding" water from the kettle onto a squealing pig by his feet. He is portrayed with a smile and steam rises from the back of the pig. To the left are a young Black man, attired in a brown broad-rimmed hat, shirt, pants, and boots and an older white man with a chin-beard and attired in a brown jacket, white vest, blue pants, and shoes. The younger man stands with his feet crossed and leans on the ship railing behind him. The older man is portrayed with a rotund midriff and holds his left hand in his vest pocket and his right hand on the railing on which he leans. A lantern-like object is visible in the left foreground and sailing line and a rope ladder are visible in the right background. Scene also includes a cloudy sky, the ocean, and distant sailing ships in the background. Josh and the white man character are portrayed with exaggerated features and/or manners., Title from item., Date from item., Originally published in Graham's Magazine, January 1847, aft. p. 54., Hand-coloring probably added after removal from publication., RVCDC
Date: 1847
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department GC - Fictional Characters - J [P.2022.17]

Title: " Creme" oat meal toilet soap
Description: Incomplete series of trade cards, including duplicate and variant imagery with the same series number, to promote "Crème" toilet soap manufactured by J.D. Larkin & Co. Depicts racist, anthropomorphic chimpanzee figures in social situations and leisure and cultural activities., Series no. I (variant 1) depicts a man and woman as well-dressed anthropomorphized chimpanzees greeting each other. In the left, the man attired in a black top hat, blue jacket, and checkered yellow pants, nods his head to the left and holds up his walking stick. In the right, the woman, her back to the viewer, is attired in a yellow bonnet adorned with flowers and a ribbon, and a long-sleeved green dress with a pink belt at the waist and a bow at the bustle. She lifts up her skirt and exposes her slip. Series no. I (variant 2) depicts an anthropomorphized chimpanzee as a man artist. He rests back on his chair, and holds a palette in one hand, and a paint brush in the other. He sits in front of an easel and canvas. He is attired in a green-colored smock shirt with collar and buttons, yellow pants, and brown laced shoes. His eyelids droop down and his mouth is slightly ajar., Series no. II depicts an anthropomorphized chimpanzee as a man hunter. He stands in front of a section of tall grass and holds a clutch of birds in his left hand and a shot gun under his right arm. He is attired in a hunting cap, red jacket, tan pants, and black high boots. Leather straps are criss-crossed over his chest. Series no. III depicts an anthropomorphized chimpanzee as a man fishing at a dock. The man hangs his legs over a pier and holds a pole into the water. A basket of fish lays beside him. He wears a wide-brimmed hat, a brown jacket with the collar turned up, and blue checkered pants. The backs of two other anglers are visible in the left background. Series no. IV (2 copies) depicts anthropomorphized chimpanzees as a man and woman couple on promenade. The woman, in the left, is attired in a yellow bonnet, a yellow, three-quarter length sleeved dress with ruffling down the front and ruching on the skirt, and white gloves. She holds a fan by her left cheek, looks to her left, and lifts up the skirt of her dress and shows the edge of her slip. To the right, the man smiles and looks over her shoulder. He is attired in a bowler, red jacket, and grey-striped pants and holds a walking stick up under his arm., Series no. VI depicts anthropomorphized chimpanzees as a man and woman couple getting married by a clergyman. The couple, their backs to the viewer, stand to the left of the clergyman attired in his ceremonial robes. The man wears a suit with a long jacket. The woman wears a white wedding dress with a veil adorned with floral ornaments. The dress is composed with ruched sleeves, and adorned with pink bows and ribbons. The figures all have solemn expressions. J.D. Larkin & Co. was founded in 1875. By 1881 the soap company included over 100 factory workers and sustained specialized departments for advertising and shipping, as well as solicited to door-to-door private residences in addition to shopkeepers. Trade cards with the company logo were included with each box of soap. By 1885 the firm only directly sold their products to residential customers and was known for their premiums. The company was sold in 1941 and continued as a mail-order business until 1962., Title from items., Date, publisher, and manufacturer (printer) from copyright statements on prints: Copyright J.D. Larkin & Co., Buffalo, N.Y. 1881 and Copyright Clay & Richmond, Buffalo, N.Y. 1881., Majority of prints (P.2020.3.1-4&7) distributed by J.D. Larkin & Co., P.2020.3.5&6 distributed by the People’s Manufacturing Co., Prints include the company logo “J.D. L. & Co., Buffalo, N.Y.” in two designs; one in cursive and the other as a monogram with a central block letter., Includes series numbers: I. (2 variant images); II.; III.; V. (2 copies, same image); and VI., Five of the prints contain variant advertising text on verso. All texts include statement: To Card Collectors.- There are six different designs in this set. We will mail the complete set to any address, on receipt of 3 c./three cent stamp., RVCDC, Description reviewed 2022., Access points revised 2022.
Date: 1881
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department trade cards - Larkin [P.2020.3.1-7]

Title: Life in Philadelphia. "Have you any flesh coloured silk stockings...?"
Description: Racist caricature of an African American woman shopping for a pair of "flesh coloured silk stockings" in a hosiery store with a white male sales clerk speaking with a French dialect. Depicts, in the center right, the woman standing at the counter in front of the clerk who holds up a pair of gray-colored stockings from out of a rectangular box. She is attired in a pink floral patterned dress, as well as tall, wide-brimmed pink hat adorned with several flowers, greenery, and a veil and long yellow ribbon, and yellow gloves, earrings, and blue button-up boots. She rests her yellow, flower-patterned purse on the counter and holds up a monocle from the end of her neck fob to inspect the stockings that the clerk declares are of "de first qualite!" Her red parasol rests against the counter. Rows of red, blue, and yellow stockings hang on the wall behind the clerk. The clerk is attired in a blue waistcoat with tails, a yellow vest, red cravat, and white pants. In the right, an African American woman attired in a yellow polka dot dress and tall, wide brimmed yellow hat adorned with ribbons is seen in the doorway of the shop in which multi-colored curtains hang and are pushed to the side. The wheel of a carriage is seen behind the woman. The figures are portrayed with oversized and exaggerated features. The women’s skin tone is depicted with brown hand coloring. The man is depicted with rosy cheeks and brown, curled hair., Title from print., Date from print., Inscribed: Plate XI., Inscribed: Copy Right Secured., Contains five lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect above the image: Have you any flesh coloured silk stockings, young man? Oui Madame! here is von pair of de first qualité!, RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021.
Creator: Clay, Edward Williams, 1799-1857, etcher
Date: May 1829
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (Philadelphia Set) [P.2004.39.1]

Title: Life in Philadelphia. "How you like de new fashion shirt...?"
Description: Racist caricature ridiculing the 1829 male fashion fad of striped shirts depicting an African American man-woman couple discussing the "new fashion shirt" that he is wearing. In the right, the man stands slightly turned and hands on hips. He is attired in a brown waistcoat with tails, a red vest, a blue-striped shirt, black cravat, tan pants, yellow gloves, black shoes, and a neck fob. He holds a black top hat in his left hand. In the left, "Miss Florinda," stands, forward facing, and holding a fan near the right side of her face. She wears a red and yellow headpiece over her hair that is in a top knot. She is attired in a yellow calf-length, cap sleeved dress with floral details, red and white trim, and décolleté neckline; white opera gloves; ankle-laced slippers; flower-detailed stockings; and jewelry, including earrings, necklace, and bracelets. She holds a handkerchief in her left hand and states that she finds the fashion elegant and how his wearing it within the "Abolition siety" will make him look like "Pluto de God of War!" They stand on a patch of grass. In classical mythology, Pluto is also the god of the underworld and wealth. The figures are portrayed with oversized and exaggerated features. Their skin tone is depicted with brown hand coloring., Title from item., Date inferred from content., After the work of Edward W. Clay., Plate 9 of the original series published in Philadelphia., Contains seven lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect above the image: How you like de new fashion shirt, Miss Florinda? I tink dey mighty elegum_ I see you on New year day when you carry de colour in de Abolition ‘siety -You look just like Pluto de God of War!, LCP exhibit catalogue: Made in America p. 29., Nancy Reynolds Davison's E.W. Clay: American Political Caricaturist in Jacksonian America (PhD. diss., The University of Michigan, 1980), p. 88-89. (LCP Print Room Uz, A423.O)., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021.
Creator: Imbert, Anthony, 1794 or 5-1834
Date: [ca. 1830]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (New York Set) [P.2004.39.2]

Title: [Domestic Sewing Machine Co. trade cards]
Description: Series of trade cards promoting the Domestic Sewing Machine Co. "Make no mistake you buy a domestic" depicts two white women, one tall and the other of short stature, who carry parasols and converse. "Wes don got de "domestic" we has!" depicts a racist, comic genre scene of an African American couple, portrayed in racist caricature with exaggerated features, who have acquired a sewing machine. In the center is a man and woman in a blue-colored cart being pulled by a galloping brown horse. The man, attired in a top hat; a blue jacket; a white collared shirt; and green checked pants, strains and leans forward as he holds the reins. The woman, attired in a yellow dress with black polka dots and a pink bonnet, leans back and exclaims in the vernacular that "wes don got the Domestic, we has!" She raises her left hand in the air and holds a white handkerchief. A sewing machine is visible inside the cart. In the far right a barefooted boy attired in a straw hat; a white collared shirt; and brown pants rolled up to his calves, possibly their displaced son, runs beside the wagon. In the top right corner is an inset illustration of a Domestic Sewing Machine Co.’s sewing machine. "Yes my father was a great antiquarian; where he studied antiquity" depicts a well-dressed, white man and woman couple standing on a veranda conversing. The next panel depicts an older white man carrying a sack on his back and picking through a barrel filled with straw and scrap metal with garbage strewn around on the ground. William S. Mack & Co. and N.S. Perkins founded the Domestic Sewing Machine Company in 1864 in Norwalk, Ohio. The White Sewing Machine Company bought the company in 1924., Title supplied by cataloger., One print [1975.F.229] copyrighted by Frank B. Hine., Includes advertising text printed on versos., Gift of Emily Phillips, 1883. Gift of Helen Beitler, 2001 [P.9983.5]., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Date: [ca. 1880]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department trade card - Domestic [1975.F.229 & 230; P.9983.5]

Title: [J. & P. Coat's thread trade cards]
Description: Series of trade cards promoting J.&. P. Coats thread and depicting men, women and children performing a variety of activities with the thread, including a white girl swinging on a tree swing; a white man fishing in a stream while a white woman watches; and several white children pretending to be a horse team. Includes a large frog on a riverbank. "So do my sisters and my cousins and my aunts!" depicts an older white woman carrying packages. "Gulliver and the Lilliputians" based on Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels" shows an oversized Gulliver being tied down with thread by the Lilliputians. "That's the kind! Bring me some more" depicts an older white woman inspecting different colored spools of thread in a box held up by a white boy. "Ef dis don't fetch you nothing will" depicts an African American man and woman, portrayed in racist caricature, trying to tame a donkey. In the left, the woman, attired in a white bonnet with a red ribbon, a red shirt, a blue scarf, a yellow shirt, a white apron, and gray shoes, uses thread from an enormous J. & P. Coats spool to pull on the bridle on the donkey, who pulls back with its mouth open. Behind the donkey, the man stands, attired in a brown, brimmed hat, a red shirt, blue plaid pants, and blue shoes, who holds a rope in his left hand and scratches his head with his left hand. "We never fade!" depicts an African American boy, portrayed in racist caricature, sitting on an oversized spool of thread in a field. Shows the boy seated and with his legs straddling a giant spool of black thread. He says “we never fade!!” and points his finger at the sun, which has a face and a concerned expression with a downward turned mouth. The boy is barefoot and attired in a white collared shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows; a multi-colored tie and belt; and red pants rolled up to the knees. In the foreground, two black crows look at the thread. A house is visible in the right background., Brothers James Coats, Jr. (1803-1845) and Peter Coats (1808-1890) established the firm J.&P. Coats, a thread manufactory. Their brother Thomas Coats (1809-1883) joined the firm soon after. By 1840, three quarters of the British company’s business was with the United States. In 1896, the firm merged with thread manufacturer Clark & Co. and formed J. & P. Coats, Ltd. In 2015, the firm was renamed, “Coats Group.”, Title supplied by cataloger., Five prints printed by E. Ketterlinus & Co., Ten prints contain advertising text printed on versos, including promotions for J. & P. Coat's best six cord, soft finish spool cotton; a table of needle and thread numbers; a calendar for 1880; and a description of "Gulliver and the Lilliputians" illustration (on recto of print 1975.F.220)., Gift of Emily Phillips, 1883. Purchase 1999. Purchase 2001., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Date: [ca. 1885]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department trade card - Coats [1975.F.123; 1975.F.126; 1975.F.133; 1975.F.150; 1975.F.157; 1975.F.193; 1975.F.195; 1975.F.220; 69211.D; P.9743; P.9984.4]

Title: Sketches of character. Plate 2. At home. Plate 3. Abroad
Description: Racist caricature contrasting two scenes of the same African American couple "At Home" and "Abroad." The "At Home" scene depicts the couple in their kitchen with a wood floor washing dishes together. In the right, the woman, attired in a kerchief, short sleeves, apron, skirt, and slip on shoes, is bent over and washes the dishes in a tub on a stool. In the left, the man, barefoot and attired in a shirt with the sleeves rolled up, vest, bow tie, and pants, sits on the edge of a butcherblock table on top of which a pile of dishes rests, and dries one. The man and woman look at each other. In the background, on the wall, cooking utensils, pots and pans, and a slab of bacon hang from hooks underneath a shelf lined with cook and dishware near a large woven basket, a cupboard, and a small shelf with two bottles. The "Abroad" scene depicts the pair well attired and about to promenade down a city street, possibly Philadelphia and from near Independence Hall. The woman wears a large plumed bonnet with a veil and a ribbon tied under her chin, a blue cape over a dress giving her the appearance of a bell, and gaiter-like shoes. Her husband wears spectacles, a top hat, white shirt, yellow vest, black waist coat, grey pants, and yellow gloves. He holds a walking cane down toward the ground in his left hand and his other arm out to his companion. A guardhouse is seen in the right and the edge of a building (possibly Independence Hall) in the left. Cityscape is visible in the distant background. Figures are portrayed with oversized and exaggerated features and their skin tone is depicted in brown hand coloring., Title and date from item., Copy right secured., Lib. Company. Annual Report, 2013, p. 51., Purchased with the Davida T. Deutsch African American History Fund., RVCDC, Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022.
Creator: Clay, Edward Williams, 1799-1857
Date: January 12, 1830
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (Philadelphia Set) [P.2013.74]

Title: Sketches of character. Plate 2. At home. Plate 3. Abroad
Description: Racist caricature contrasting two scenes of the same African American couple "At Home" and "Abroad." The "At Home" scene depicts the couple in their kitchen with a wood floor washing dishes together. In the right, the woman, attired in a kerchief, short sleeves, apron, skirt, and slip on shoes, is bent over and washes the dishes in a tub on a stool. In the left, the man, barefoot and attired in a shirt with the sleeves rolled up, vest, bow tie, and pants, sits on the edge of a butcherblock table on top of which a pile of dishes rests, and dries one. The man and woman look at each other. In the background, on the wall, cooking utensils, pots and pans, and a slab of bacon hang from hooks underneath a shelf lined with cook and dishware near a large woven basket, a cupboard, and a small shelf with two bottles. The "Abroad" scene depicts the pair well attired and about to promenade down a city street, possibly Philadelphia and from near Independence Hall. The woman wears a large plumed bonnet with a veil and a ribbon tied under her chin, a blue cape over a dress giving her the appearance of a bell, and gaiter-like shoes. Her husband wears spectacles, a top hat, white shirt, yellow vest, black waist coat, grey pants, and yellow gloves. He holds a walking cane down toward the ground in his left hand and his other arm out to his companion. A guardhouse is seen in the right and the edge of a building (possibly Independence Hall) in the left. Cityscape is visible in the distant background. Figures are portrayed with oversized and exaggerated features and their skin tone is depicted in brown hand coloring., Title and date from item., Copy right secured., Lib. Company. Annual Report, 2013, p. 51., Purchased with the Davida T. Deutsch African American History Fund., RVCDC, Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022.
Creator: Clay, Edward Williams, 1799-1857
Date: January 12, 1830
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (Philadelphia Set) [P.2013.74]

Title: Life in Philadelphia. "Dat is bery fine, Mr. Mortimer..."
Description: Racist caricature of an African American couple singing and playing guitar in a parlor. In the right, "Mr Mortimer," stands with his right hand over his heart and with his other holding a sheet of music. He wears mutton chops and is attired in a green coat with tails, red collar, blue bow tie, yellow pants, stockings, black slipper shoes, and yellow gloves. His eyes look up and his mouth is open. He sings a love song while the woman seated in the left plays a guitar decorated with pink ribbons. Her head is turned toward the man and she sits on a bench with a pink cushion. She wears a large yellow bonnet adorned with bows and with ribbons tied into a bow under her chin. She is also attired in a blue dress with long puff sleeves, trim, and a laced bodice, ankle-tied slipper shoes, as well as rings on her fingers. She comments that he sings "con a moor as de Italians say!!" The figures are portrayed with oversized and exaggerated features. Their skin tone is depicted with black hand coloring. Setting also includes a carpet with a decorative pattern., Title from item., Date inferred from content and name of publisher., Contains eight lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect above the image: Dat is bery fine, Mr. Mortimer, _ you sing quite con a moor, as de Italians say!! “Take away, take away dos rosy lips, “Rich, rich in balmy treasure!_”Turn away, turn away dose eyes o blub, “Less I die wid pleasure!!!”, Inscribed: Plate 12., Inscribed: Copy right secured., Sarah Hart was a Jewish Philadelphia stationer who with her son, Abraham Hart, a future eminent Philadelphia publisher, assumed the publishing of the "Life in Philadelphia" series in 1829. She, alone, reprinted the entire series of 14 prints in 1830., First edition of print described in Daily Chronicle, December 10, 1829, p. 2., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021.
Creator: Clay, Edward Williams, 1799-1857, etcher
Date: [1830]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (Philadelphia Set) [P.9701.4]

Title: Life in Philadelphia. "What you tink of my new poke bonnet...?"
Description: Racist caricature depicting an African American woman trying on a bonnet in the company of her African American companion, "Frederick Augustus." Depicts the woman in profile, in front of a standing mirror tilted toward her, trying on a yellow Dunstable bonnet so large that the side of her face is obscured. Her hand rests on the side of the hat adorned with a pink ribbon. Her reflection is not visible in the mirror. She wears a yellow calico dress with a white collar that covers her shoulders, black gloves, patterned stockings, and blue slipper shoes. She asks "Frederick Augustus" what he thinks. He stands behind her with his arms crossed and looks toward the mirror. He holds a walking stick under his left upper arm. A dog with a muzzle sits behind him. He responds that he does not like the style. He wears a beard and is attired in a top hat, long green overcoat with collar, red-striped pants, white gloves, and black slipper shoes. A white woman sales clerk, wearing a large top-knot hairstyle, watches the woman from behind a counter on which another Dunstable bonnet is displayed. Pink bunting is visible above the clerk’s head. The figures are portrayed with oversized and exaggerated features. Their skin tone is depicted with black hand coloring., Title from item., Date from item., Inscribed: Plate 14., Inscribed: Copy right secured., Contains seven lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect above the image: What you tink of my new poke bonnet Frederick Augustus? I don’t like him no how, case dey hide you lubly face, so you can’t tell one she nigger from anoder., Sarah Hart was a Jewish Philadelphia stationer who with her son, Abraham Hart, a future eminent Philadelphia publisher, assumed the publishing of the "Life in Philadelphia" series in 1829. She, alone, reprinted the entire series of 14 prints in 1830., Described in Pennsylvania Inquirer, 17 June 1830, p. 2 and ‘Life in Philadelphia, No. 14. The Dunstable Bonnet’, Pennsylvania Inquirer, 17 June 1830, p. 3., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021.
Creator: Clay, Edward Williams, 1799-1857, etcher
Date: 1830
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (Philadelphia Set) [P.9701.5]

Title: Life in Philadelphia. "Is Miss Dinah at home?"
Description: Racist caricature depicting a well-dressed, middle-class African American dandy, his right side toward the viewer, calling upon "Miss Dinah" on the outside of her basement apartment. He wears a black top hat, bright green waistcoat, tan pants, yellow gloves, and black slipper shoes adorned with bows. He holds a walking stick perpendicular to his thigh and a fob hangs away from his coat. An African American woman servant, wearing short-cropped hair and earrings, and attired in a red, short-sleeved dress and blue apron, stands at the open cellar doors and informs the suitor that Miss Dinah "is bery pertickly engaged in washing de dishes." She holds out a silver tray to collect the dandy's calling card. The dandy states that he is sorry that he "cant have the honour to pay [his] devours to her" and slightly crouches to place his card on the tray. The figures are portrayed with oversized and exaggerated features. Scene also shows an adjacent basement cellar with open doors and views of shuttered windows on the first floor to "Dinah's" residence and those adjoining, Title from item., Date inferred from content., Inscribed: No. 5., After the work of Edward W. Clay., Probably printed and published by Anthony Imbert of New York., Contains three lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect below the image: "Is Miss Dinah at home?""Yes sir but she bery pertickly engaged in washing de dishes.""Ah! I'm sorry I can't have the honour to pay my devours to her. Give her my card.", Shane White and Graham White's Stylin': African American Expressive Culture (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1998), p. 108. (LCP Ii 4, A2880.O)., Nancy Reynolds Davison's E.W. Clay: American Political Caricaturist of the Jacksonian Era (PhD. diss., the University of Michigan, 1980), p. 88. (LCP Print Room Uz, A423.O), Purchase 1968., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021.
Date: [ca. 1830]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (New York Set) [7770.F.2]

Title: Life in Philadelphia. "How you find yourself dis hot weader Miss Chloe?"
Description: Racist caricature mocking the ambitions of free Blacks depicting, "Mr. Cesar," an African American dandy asking an African American belle how she finds herself in "dis hot weader?" "Miss Chloe," responds that she is doing well, but "aspires too much!" In the left, the man stands and faces the woman, in the right, and whose back is to the viewer. The man is attired in a blue waistcoat with a black collar, a white vest, pink cravat, white pants, gloves, and black slipper shoes. He holds a walking stick perpendicular to the ground in his right hand. The woman is attired in a yellow, puff-sleeved, ankle-length dress and with a pink neckerchief, wide-brimmed yellow hat with a long veil and adorned with several pink flowers and blue ribbon, gloves, and white slipper shoes. She also wears a necklace and earrings. She holds a purse and fan in her left hand and a parasol in her right hand. The man and woman stand on a grassy knoll. The figures are portrayed with oversized and exaggerated features. Their skin tone is depicted with black hand coloring., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Inscribed: P. 4., After the work of Edward W. Clay., Probably published by Anthony Imbert., Contains three lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect below the image: “How you find yourself dis hot weader Miss Chloe?” “Pretty well I tank you Mr. Cesar only I aspire too much!”, RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Acquired in 1968.
Date: [ca. 1830]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (New York Set) [7770.F.1]

Main menu

Pages