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Title: Tregears black jokes. The Lady Patroness of Alblacks
Description: Racist caricature depicting a middle-class African American woman looking at herself in a full-length mirror in her well- decorated bedroom. Shows the woman, attired in a white, low décolleté underdress with puffed, cap sleeves, slightly lifting up the skirt of her dress in her left hand and her raised right hand holding a comb near her hair that is styled in a top knot. She looks at her reflection. She is portrayed with a wrinkled brow and bags under her eyes. Her reflection does not have these features. In the right, a bed with a canopy on which a wide-brimmed hat rests on a post; a table on which a pin pad, hair comb, pearl necklace, and earrings rest; and a black cat with its back raised are visible. In the left, on either side of the mirror, a pink dress rests on a clothing rack and white ankle-lace shoes lie on the carpeted floor. Scene also includes three framed picture on the wall in the background. Two are partially visible and the one fully visible shows a genre scene outside of a stone dwelling where an African American man is on his knee and holding the hand of an African American woman who stands in front of him. Figure is portrayed with oversized and exaggerated features and her skin tone is depicted in black hand coloring., Title from item., Date inferred from content and name of publisher., Inscribed: No. 2., This caricature is similar in content to the prints from the series, "Life in Philadelphia" (London Set), and has been catalogued as a part of the series., 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, delineator
Date: [ca. 1834]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia PRINT | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (London Set) [P.9719]

Title: Life in Philadelphia. "Shall I hab de honour to dance de next quadrille...?"
Description: Racist caricature ridiculing the etiquette of attendees of an African American dance ball. Depicts, in the right and in profile, "Mr. Cato," an African American man dressed in a blue coat with tails, white pantaloons and stockings, ruffled white shirt, red cravat, white gloves, a gold neck fob, and black slipper shoes bowing with his hat in his hand to invite "Miss Minta" to dance. In the left, "Miss Minta," a curvaceous African American woman, forward facing, her head turned to the right, and dressed in a yellow, cap-sleeved gown with an apron detail, a large pink headpiece, white opera gloves, and several pieces of jewelry, including a neck fob, bracelets, armlets, and red earrings, declines his invitation because she is already "engaged for de nine next set." She also slightly holds up the lower right corner of her apron with her right hand. The figures are portrayed with oversized and exaggerated features. Their skin tone is depicted with black hand coloring. Scene also includes a wooden chair with a red padded seat partially visible in the left foreground and background imagery depicting the interior of a ballroom with a large mirror and other African American men and women ball attendees portrayed with exaggerated features., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Inscribed: Plate 6., Shane White and Graham White's Stylin':African American Expressive Culture (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1998), p. 98. (LCP Ii 4, A2880.O)., Charles Hunt was a respected 19th-century London engraver who was most known for his aquatints of sporting subjects., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Acquired in 1968.
Creator: Summers, William, artist
Date: [ca. 1831]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (London Set) [7658.F]

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 blue waistcoat with tails, a bronze vest, a green shirt with red striped collar, green cravat, tan pants, white 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 headpiece over her hair that is in a top knot. She is attired in an orange calf-length, cap sleeved dress with floral details, red trim, and décolleté neckline; white opera gloves; red ankle-laced slippers; 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 in a parlor with patterned carpeting and in front of three framed pictures on the wall, including portraits of a Black man and woman and a landscape view. 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 black hand coloring., Title from item., Date inferred from content and name of publisher., 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!, Inscribed: Plate 9., 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)., Charles Hunt was a respected 19th-century London engraver who was most known for his aquatints of sporting subjects., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021.
Creator: Summers, William, artist
Date: [ca. 1831]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (London Set) [P.9707.2]

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 waistcoat with tails, a vest, a shirt, cravat, pants, 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 headpiece over her hair that is in a top knot. She is attired in a calf-length, cap sleeved dress with floral details, trim, and décolleté neckline; opera gloves; ankle-laced slippers; 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 in a parlor with ornamented carpeting and in front of three framed pictures on the wall, including portraits of a Black man and woman and a landscape view. In classical mythology, Pluto is also the god of the underworld and wealth. The figures are portrayed with oversized and exaggerated features., Title from item., Date inferred from content and name of publisher., 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., Charles Hunt was a respected 19th-century London engraver who was most known for his aquatints of sporting subjects., 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., Purchase 1967.
Creator: Summers, William, artist
Date: [ca. 1831]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (London Set) [7646.F]

Title: Life in Philadelphia. "How you like de Waltz, Mr. Lorenzo?"
Description: Racist caricature ridiculing the social pretentions of attendees of an African American dance ball depicting "Mr. Lorenzo" and his woman dance partner hand in hand as they waltz. In the left, Mr. Lorenzo’s woman partner wears a pink, large, oval-shaped headpiece with several feathers, an ankle-length yellow dress with pink trim, puff sleeves and a rope belt with tasseled ends, white gloves, white ankle-tied slipper shoes, and jewelry, including earrings and a necklace. She looks toward her dance partner and points her left foot and has her right perpendicular to it. She asks how he likes the waltz. "Mr. Lorenzo," looks down toward her and responds that he believes the waltz is "for de common people." He is attired in white pantaloons, a brown coat with tails, white vest, white shirt with turned up collar, white bow tie, white gloves, white stockings, and black slipper shoes. The figures are portrayed with oversized and exaggerated features. Their skin tone is depicted with black hand coloring. Setting of scene also includes a wooden floor., Title from item., Date inferred from content and name of publisher., After the work of Edward W. Clay., Plate 13 of the original series published in Philadelphia., Inscribed: Plate 13., Contains five lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect below the image: How you like de waltz, Mr. Lorenzo? ‘Pon de honour ob a gentleman I tink it vastly indelicate, _ Only fit for de common people!!, Charles Hunt was a respected 19th-century London engraver who was most well known for his aquatints of sporting subjects., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021.
Creator: Summers, William, artist
Date: [ca. 1831]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (London Set) [P.9707.4]

Title: Life in Philadelphia. "How you like de Waltz, Mr. Lorenzo..."
Description: Racist caricature ridiculing the social pretentions of attendees of an African American dance ball depicting "Mr. Lorenzo" and his woman dance partner hand in hand as they waltz. In the left, Mr. Lorenzo’s woman partner wears a large, oval-shaped headpiece with several feathers, an ankle-length dress with trim, puff sleeves and a rope belt with tasseled ends, gloves, ankle-tied slipper shoes, and jewelry, including earrings and a necklace. She looks toward her dance partner and points her left foot and has her right perpendicular to it. She asks how he likes the waltz. "Mr. Lorenzo," looks down toward her and responds that he believes the waltz is "for de common people." He is attired in pantaloons, coat with tails, vest, shirt with turned up collar, bow tie, gloves, stockings, and black slipper shoes. The figures are portrayed with oversized and exaggerated features. Setting of scene also includes a wooden floor.., Title from item., Date inferred from content and name of publisher., Contains five lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect below the image: How you like de waltz, Mr. Lorenzo? ‘Pon de honour ob a gentleman I tink it vastly indelicate, _ Only fit for de common people!!, After the work of Edward W. Clay., Plate 13 of the original series published in Philadelphia., Charles Hunt was a respected 19th-century London engraver who was most well known for his aquatints of sporting subjects., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Purchase 1967.
Creator: Summers, William, artist
Date: [ca. 1831]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (London Set) [7645.F]

Title: Life in Philadelphia. A black ball. La pastorelle
Description: Racist caricature ridiculing the manners and dress displayed at an African American dance ball by depicting attendees making malapropisms as they flirt with one another. A male attendee promenades with "Miss Zephyrina," on his left, dressed in a yellow gown with green pantalettes and another woman dressed in a pink gown on his right. He is impressed with Miss Zephyrina's "Rotations" from the poet "Joe Miller" who from which she quotes, "Grace in all he teps...in all him action, dignity, and lub." In front of them, in the right, "Brudder Brutus" gestures toward Miss Zephyrina and states that he feels the same "Ting." Brutus, who is "cutting him capers by himself" has impressed the lady in the pink dress who looks with rounded eyes upon his pointed toe. To the far right, a man depicted with bow-legs and attired in a large yellow tie, and accompanied by a short-statured lady in a green gown, is shown with his eyes looking to the left toward the "elegum Wenus in de trousers," Miss Zephrina. She makes his "heart tump about." Several other men and women attendees are seen in the background. Figures are depicted with oversize and exaggerated features. The men are depicted attired in coats with tails, pantaloons, stockings, and slipper shoes adorned with bows., Title from item., Date inferred from content and name of publisher., Contains five dialogue bubbles above the image: What a figure Broder Brutus look cutting him capers dare by himself./ What fine Rotations Miss Zephyrina make from de poets./ Grace in all he teps – heaben in he eye in all him action dignity and lub as de poet Joe Miller say/ If I didn’t feel jist de Ting how bery frit I should be afore such quizzes./ How dat elegum Wenus in de trousers make my heart tump about., Charles Hunt was a respected London engraver who was most well known for his aquatints of sporting subjects., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021.
Creator: Summers, William, delineator
Date: [ca. 1833]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (London Set) [6253.F]

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 pink calico dress with a white collar that covers her shoulders, white gloves, patterned stockings, and white 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 blue overcoat with collar, 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 other Dunstable bonnet and a candlestick are displayed. Bonnets, hat boxes, and packages on shelving and pink and yellow bunting is visible above the clerk’s head. The figures are portrayed with oversized and exaggerated features., Title from item., Date inferred from content and name of publisher., Contains seven lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect below 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., After the work of Edward W. Clay., Plate 14 of the original series published in Philadelphia., Charles Hunt was a respected London engraver who was most well known for his aquatints of sporting subjects., Copy published in Philadelphia 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: Summers, William, artist
Date: [ca. 1833]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (London Set) [P.9709.1]

Title: Life in Philadelphia. A black tea party
Description: Racist caricature satirizing the African American guests and hosts, "Mr. Ludovico" and "Miss Rosabella," of a tea party. To the far right of the table, "Miss Rosabella," attired in a cap sleeve dress, pours steaming hot tea into a cup which tips over and spills onto a startled black cat on the floor. To her right, "Mr. Ludovico," attired in a waistcoat, passes a plate of sandwiches to "Miss Araminta,” attired in a puff sleeved dress and who protests his taking the trouble. Next to them, a frowning, woman guest, attired in a puff sleeved dress asks “Miss Rosabella” for "anoder cup" of tea after she helps the other guests. An African American man servant (in the right) and the other guests (in the left), a mother holding her baby and resting her feet on an ottoman and her young son seated on a small chair, observe and comment about the spilled tea on the cat and the flirtatious behavior of "Mr. Ludovico." The man servant wears a jacket with epaulets. He holds a cloth. The mother wears a dress with puffed sleeves. The boy wears a smock shirt and pants. He drinks a cup of tea. The scene is set in a parlor decorated with a carpet with an ornate pattern. Figures are depicted with oversize and exaggerated features. The women figures wear their hair in top knots, except the mother who wears a round, soft brimmed hat adorned with bows., Title from item., Date inferred by content and name of publisher., Contains six bubbles of dialogue in the vernacular within the image: I bery glad I ain’t the cat./I begin to see which way de cat jumps/When you have helped all de company Miss Rosabella, I’ll tank you for anoder cup/No trouble Miss Araminta none but de brave deserve de Fair/You take too mush trouble Mr. Ludovico./Mass cat tink him tea to hot., Charles Hunt was a respected London engraver who was most well known for his aquatints of sporting subjects., RVCDC, Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022., Purchase 1967.
Creator: Summers, William, delineator
Date: [ca. 1833]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (London Set) [7647.F]

Title: Life in Philadelphia. A black tea party
Description: Racist caricature satirizing the African American guests and hosts, "Mr. Ludovico" and "Miss Rosabella," of a tea party. To the far right of the table, "Miss Rosabella," attired in a blue cap sleeve dress, pours steaming hot tea into a cup which tips over and spills onto a startled black cat on the floor. To her right, "Mr. Ludovico," attired in a blue waistcoat, passes a plate of sandwiches to "Miss Araminta,” attired in a pink, puff sleeved dress and who protests his taking the trouble. Next to them, a frowning, woman guest, attired in an orange puff sleeved dress asks “Miss Rosabella” for "anoder cup" of tea after she helps the other guests. An African American man servant (in the right) and the other guests (in the left), a mother holding her baby and resting her feet on an ottoman and her young son seated on a small chair, observe and comment about the spilled tea on the cat and the flirtatious behavior of "Mr. Ludovico." The man servant wears a jacket with epaulets. He holds a cloth. The mother wears a green dress with puffed sleeves. The boy wears a red smock shirt and striped pants. He drinks a cup of tea. The scene is set in a parlor decorated with a carpet with an ornate pattern. Figures are depicted with oversize and exaggerated features. Their skin tone is depicted with black hand coloring. The women figures wear their hair in top knots, except the mother who wears a round, soft brimmed hat adorned with bows., Title from item., Date inferred by content and name of publisher., Contains six dialogue bubbles above the image: I bery glad I ain’t the cat./I begin to see which way de cat jumps/When you have helped all de company Miss Rosabella, I’ll tank you for anoder cup/No trouble Miss Araminta none but de brave deserve de Fair/You take too mush trouble Mr. Ludovico./Mass cat tink him tea to hot., Charles Hunt was a respected London engraver who was most well known for his aquatints of sporting subjects., RVCDC, Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022.
Creator: Summers, William, delineator
Date: [ca. 1833]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (London Set) [P.9709.2]

Title: Life in Philadelphia. A crier extraordinary
Description: Racist caricature of an African American town crier performing his duties in front of a storefront on a busy Philadelphia street. The crier, attired in worn clothing and a yellow straw hat, holds up his bell in his right hand and the sheet of news down with the other. He calls out the upcoming events, including sales of merchandise, a "sarmont on Temperance," and a "Colored Ball at Mrs. Johnsons." His attire includes a blue jacket, striped shirt with patches, a red cravat, white pants with patches, and black shoes. Several spectators listen, including an African American belle, attired in a striped, hooded cape over a dress with floral details; an African American street boy, attired in a worn jacket, vest, and pants and holding a broken mug; a white boy peddler, attired in a smock and boots and with his wares on a tray over his shoulder; and a white shopkeeper holding a cloth work in his hands as his stands in his store's doorway. The peddler boy walks a dog that has torn the crier's copy of the news. Drapery hangs in the store’s display window. Black figures are depicted with oversize and exaggerated features. White figures are depicted with exaggerated features., Signed W.S. for William Summers in lower right corner., Title from item., Date inferred from content and name of publisher., Contains five lines of dialogue in the vernacular below the image: Sale dis nite_Frying Pans_Grid Irons_Book_Oyster Knives and odder kinds of Medicines_Joe Williams will hab some fresh oysters at his stablishment_by tickler design, Mr. Hewlet will gib Imitations ober again_two or tree damaged Discussion Locks, and Rebd. Mr. P.Q. will deliver a sarmont on Temperance, half past 6 o’Clock precise, dats not all! Widout Money or Price _ de great Bull Phillip will be station at Squire S__s & dats not all nudder! dare will be a perlite & Colored Ball at Mr. Johnsons jus arter dis is bin done”_, 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., Purchase 1968.
Creator: Summers, William, artist
Date: [ca. 1833]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (London Set) [7689.F]

Title: Life in Philadelphia. Dark conversation
Description: Circa 1833 racist caricature about the "disagreeableness" of the growing community of middle-class African Americans in Philadelphia. Depicts an African American man greeting an African American man-woman couple on a windy street corner, near the shop of a print dealer and where several fashionably-attired African American men and women are walking and standing. A river is visible below. In the left, the solitary man dressed in equestrian costume, including a white riding hat, green coat, and white ruffled shirt, holds a walking cane and comments about the "Black looking day." He extends a snuff box, with his ungloved left hand, to the man who is a part of the couple. The man, attired in a blue waistcoat and black pants, accepts the box with his ungloved right hand while holding a green umbrella under his left arm. He agrees about the stormy condition and that "De Blacks flying about so make it Petickly Disagreable." His woman partner, stands beside him and with her right hand under the elbow of his extended arm. She is attired in a white bonnet and a white shawl over a pink long-sleeved dress. She also wears white gloves, holds a black purse in her right hand, and her bonnet is adorned with a feather that blows in the breeze. Behind them, the African American men and women on promenade are similarly attired in waistcoats and pants; equestrian costume; and long-sleeved dresses and bonnets. Shadowy depictions of several prints are visible in the print dealer’s large display store window. Also shows in the far right, a river, bridge, and landscape. Figures are portrayed with oversize and exaggerated features and their skin tone is depicted with black hand coloring., Title from item., Date inferred from content and name of publisher., 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.9710.1]

Title: Life in Philadelphia. The new shoes
Description: Racist caricature depicting an African American woman trying on shoes at "Sambo Paley Boots & Shoe Manufacturer." In the left, the woman, seated on a chair, looks down at her slightly raised left foot on which an African American clerk has placed a black slip-on shoe. Her removed yellow shoe rests beside her feet. She is attired in a yellow bonnet adorned with feathers and with a white veil that frames her face like long straight hair, a red puff sleeve dress, and a yellow slip-on shoe. She slightly raises her dress with her left ungloved hand to appear at her shoe and holds a green parasol to the floor with her gloved right hand. A blue and yellow purse hangs from her right wrist. The clerk kneels in front of her and holds her left foot. He is attired in a striped shirt, neck tie, brown vest, brown pantaloons, white stocking and red slipper shoes. The woman states the shoe "is sich a bery dirty color" and does he not have any white or pink ones. The clerk replies that it may not be "handsome" to look at, but surely a "good color to wear." In the background, an African American man, attired in shirt sleeves and an apron, possibly the bootmaker, shines a boot behind a counter and in front of a row of boots and shoes on a cabinet. A brush and can of boot black rest on the counter. A sign reading “Sambo Paley Boots & Shoe Manufacturer. The Best Jet Blacking Sold Here" hangs above the man’s head. In the far left, shoes hang inside the store’s window and visible through the shop’s doorway, a well-dressed African American man and woman walk past in the street. The man wears a top hat and waistcoat and the woman wears a yellow bonnet and puff sleeve dress. Scene also shows pairs of boots resting on the floor across from the kneeling clerk in the right. Figures are portrayed with oversized and exaggerated features and their skin tone is depicted in black hand coloring., Title from item., Date inferred from content and name of publisher., Inscribed: No. 3., P.2016.45.1 trimmed., Charles Hunt was a respected 19th century London engraver and etcher known primarily for his prints of sporting subjects., P.2016.45.1 gift of Dr. Richard Dunn & Dr. Mary Maples Dunn., Digital image depicted is P.9710.3., 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.9710.3 & P.2016.45.1]

Title: Life in Philadelphia. A black charge
Description: Racist caricature depicting a courtroom scene where an African American man magistrate hears the case of an African American man detained for drunkenness and "-sulting de Fair sec." In the left, the judge who has one foot wrapped and raised on a foot rest sits at a table and holds a glass of liquid with a spoon in it near a bottle and corkscrew. He has a receding hairline, wears glasses, and is attired in a blue waistcoat, tan vest, white shirt and bowtie, black pantaloons, and a black shoe with a buckle. He states that the detainee has put a "Fair Face" on the matter, but "appearances are bery Black" against him. In the right, the hiccupping detainee, who is attired in a worn, striped shirt and blue jacket, and white patched pants is held by his jacket by an African American man constable attired in a brown robe with yellow details and black slip on shoes with buckles. He holds a staff in his right hand. The detainee explains to the judge that he is innocent and that all he did was ask to "scort a lady home." Next to the judge stands an African American man secretary, attired in a dark jacket and white shirt and bow tie. He stands with a quill in his hand in front of a ledger, ready to write down the testimony. Figures are depicted with oversize and exaggerated features. Their skin tone is depicted with black hand coloring., Title from item., Date inferrred from content and name of publisher., Contains three dialogue bubbles above the image: Please y-r Worship I hab taken up dis Nigger!! case he’s -nebriated and -sulting to de Fair sec./Well, young man, you seem to put a bery, Fair Face, on the matter. But, I can assure you, Appearances, are bery Black, against you. What hab you to say, to de Charge./It wasn’t me yr (hiccup) Honor. Dis old Black Beadle kick’d up (hiccup) all de Row case I asked bebe to scort a Lady home., 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.9710.5]

Title: Life in Philadelphia. A crier extraordinary
Description: Racist caricature of an African American town crier performing his duties in front of a storefront on a busy Philadelphia street. The crier, attired in worn clothing and a yellow straw hat, holds up his bell in his right hand and a sheet of news down with the other. He calls out the upcoming events, including sales of merchandise, a "sarmont on Temperance," and a "Colored Ball at Mrs. Johnsons." His attire includes a blue jacket, striped shirt with patches, a red cravat, white pants with patches, and black shoes. Several spectators listen, including an African American belle, attired in a striped, hooded cape over a dress with floral details; an African American street boy, attired in a worn jacket, vest, and pants and holding a broken mug; a white boy peddler, attired in a smock and boots and with his wares on a tray over his shoulder; and a white shopkeeper holding a cloth work in his hands as his stands in his store's doorway. The peddler boy walks a dog that has torn the crier's copy of the news. Drapery hangs in the store’s display window. African American figures are depicted with oversize and exaggerated features. White figures are depicted with exaggerated features.., Title from item., Date inferred from content and name of publisher., Contains five lines of dialogue in the vernacular below the image: Sale dis nite_Frying Pans_Grid Irons_Book_Oyster Knives and odder kinds of Medicines_Joe Williams will hab some fresh oysters at his stablishment_by tickler design, Mr. Hewlet will gib Imitations ober again_two or tree damaged Discussion Locks, and Rebd. Mr. P.Q. will deliver a sarmont on Temperance, half past 6 o’Clock precise, dats not all! Widout Money or Price _ de great Bull Phillip will be station at Squire S__s & dats not all nudder! dare will be a perlite & Colored Ball at Mr. Johnsons jus arter dis is bin done”_, 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.9710.11]

Title: [Life in Philadelphia miniatures]
Description: Five cartes-de-visite size racist and sexist social caricatures derived from the series "Life in Philadelphia," including figures in brightly colored and ornately patterned fashion. Lines of dialogue are included below the images. Depicts a scene of a white man sexually harassing a white woman, their fashion caricatured (P.9717.1); a thwarted celebration of the election of Andrew Jackson centered on an African American man and boy portrayed in caricature (P.9717.2); a discussion of hot weather between an African American man and woman portrayed in caricature (P.9717.3); a dance ball centered on an African American man and woman portrayed in caricature ((P.9717.4); and the purchase of silk stockings by an African American woman portrayed in caricature (P.9717.5). The prints are captioned respectively: "Good Evening Miss..."; "Why for you hurrah for General Jackson?"; "How you find yourself dis hot weder Miss Chloe?"; "Shall I hab de honor to dance de next quadrille...?"; and "Have you any flesh colored silk stockings...?" The scenes also contain detailed backgrounds that include cityscape, pedestrian traffic, figures at celebration, bucolic scenery, the interior of a ballroom with white attendees, and the interior of a clothing store attended by a white man clerk speaking with a French dialect. The African American figures are portrayed with exaggerated features and stances. The white woman figure is portrayed with an exaggerated silhouette because of her fashion comprised of a bell-shaped overcoat and dress., Title supplied by cataloguer., Date inferred from content., P.9717.1 contains lines of dialogue below the image: Good evening Miss, shall I have the pleasure of walking with you._ Me Sir!! for whom do you take me, Sir?_ Come that’s a good one!-for whom do I take you? Why for myself to be sure., P.9717.2 contains lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect below the image: Hurrah! Hurrah for General Jackson. Why for you hurrah for General Jackson – you black Nigger – I’ll larn you better – I’m a ministration man., P.9717.3 contains lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect below the image: How you find yourself dis hot weder Miss Chloe? Pretty well I tank you Mr. Cesar, only I aspire too much., P.9717.4 contains lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect below the image: Shall I habe de honour to dance next Quadrille wid you Miss Minta. Tank you Mr. Cato wid much pleasure only I’, engaged for de next nine Set!”, P.9717.5 contains lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect below the image: Have you any Flesh color’d Silk Stockings young Man? Oui Madame! Her is von pair of de first quality., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021.
Date: [ca. 1833]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (London) [P.9717.1-.5]

Title: [Life in Philadelphia scraps]
Description: Series of trimmed, captioned scraps containing racist African American imagery based on the “Life in Philadelphia” series after the designs of Edward W. Clay first published 1828-1830. The series of primarily racist social caricatures lampooned the etiquette and conventions of early 19th-century, middle-class Philadelphians, particularly the growing community of free African American persons. Caricatures depict scenes of courtship, society balls, fashion, freemasonry, and the election of Andrew Jackson, as well as sexism, sexual harassment, and sexual innuendo. The figures are portrayed with oversized and exaggerated features and often in the fashion of dandies and belles. Scenes include an African American man leaving his card for “Clotilda” at her basement apartment door within the dishcloth of her African American woman house servant before him (P.2021.28.1a); an African American man-woman couple stopped during their walk in a park to watch a man watching them (P.2021.28.1b); an African American ball at which an African American man attendee asks an African American woman attendee for a dance in front of other African American attendees in the background (P.2021.28.2a); an African American man sexually harassing an African American woman on a city street (P.2021.28.2b); an African American woman and man in conversation on a Sunday (“day of our lord”)(P.2021.28.3a);, African American couple “Mr. Lorenzo” and “Miss Chloe,” seated on a couch, by a window, in a parlor in conversation (P.2021.28.3b); an African American ball at which an African American woman attendee asks an African American man attendee if he likes the waltz in front of other African American attendees in the background (P.2021.28.4a); an African American woman in a dry goods store asking a white man sales clerk, who speaks with a French dialect, about stockings (P.2021.28.4b); an African American military volunteer chastising an African American boy drummer at a military encampment (P.2021.28.5a); an African American man-woman musical couple where she plays the guitar and he sings “Coal Black Rose”(P.2021.28.5b); two African American masons in conversation about “Gen’l Jackson” in front of an altar at a masonic hall (P.2021.28.6a); an African American woman, “Dinah,” being asked by an African American man, “Mr. Durang,” about his new checkered “fashion trousers” (P.2021.28.6b). Women figures are attired in wide-brimmed, and/or ornately adorned, wide-brimmed hats or headpieces, puff-sleeved dresses or a hooded cape in ornate patterns, as well as gloves, slipper shoes, jewelry, and monocles. Men figures are attired in top or wide-brimmed hats, waistcoats, vests, large bowties, trousers or pantaloons, military uniform, masonic regalia, gloves, and slipper shoes or boots. Accessories held by the figures include purses, umbrellas, fans, walking sticks., Scenes also include detailed backgrounds and interior and exterior settings including residential facades; dogs; a white man seated on a bench in a park; ballrooms with attendees and a band playing in a balcony; a section of a city street with a guardhouse; parlors; a counter at a dry goods store; a volunteer military encampment; a masonic hall; as well as pieces of furniture, such as chairs, mantles, and side tables., Title supplied by cataloguer., Date inferred from content., P.2021.28.1a contains three lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect below the image: Is Miss Clotilda at home? No sir she’s particularly ingaged in washing de dishes – Ah! give her my card!, P.2021.28.1b contains two lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect below the image: Vol is you looking at my dear? Vy I’m looking at dat imperent fellow vat’s laughing at us?, P.2021.28.2a contains three lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect below the image: Will you hona me wid your hand for de next codrille Miss Manda? Tank you sa’ but I’m ingaged for de nest ten set!, P.2021.28.2b contains two lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect below the image: What do you take me for? you black nigger? Why I take you for myself to be sure., P.2021.28.3a contains two lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect below the image: Bery hot dis day of our lord Mr. Cesa! Berry hot indeed Miss Juliet – de terometa is 96 degree above joho., P.2021.28.3b contains two lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect below the image: Mr. Lorenzo dat’s a nice dog you’ve got” Lord! Miss Chloe., P.2021.28.4a contains two lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect below the image: do you walse Mr. Wellington? No, my dear creta_ It’s to common. I go nothin but de Manourkey!, P.2021.28.4b contains two lines of dialogue in the vernacular and French dialect below the image: Have you any flesh coloured silk stockings, Sir? Oui Mamselle here is von pair of de last Parisian touch-, P.2021.28.5a contains two lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect below the image: You say I belong to de milishy you black varmont. I’ll let you know I’m a wolunteer., P.2021.28.5b contains two lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect below the image: How will your voice harmonize wid de sentiment. Mr. Cato you quite equal to Horn!, P.2021.28.6a contains three lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect below the image: Well brudder Jones what you tink of Genl Jackson now? Day say he’s gwang to be Anti Masonic! I don’t know, I tink dat depend on de new cabinet., P.2021.28.6b contains three lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect below the image: How you like de new fashion trousers Dinah. Oh quite lubly! You look like Mr. Durang when he play harlequin in de masqarade., Printed in upper left corner of P.2021.28.1a: [E?]dition., Printed in upper right corner of P.2021.28.2a and trimmed: 2nd E?[dition?], RVCDC
Date: [ca. 1838-ca. 1855]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (Miscellaneous) [P.2021.28.1a-6b]

Title: A five points exclusive taking the first steps towards the Last Polish
Description: Racist caricature depicting a group of middle-class African American women receiving a dance lesson at the "Bon Enfantfile Cross St. Saloon." Shows the four women in a semi-circle, looking at the white dance instructor, “Mr. Boeyfong,” in the right and one woman, in the center, looking at the viewer. Two of the women slightly pull up their skirts, one has her heels together and the other points her right foot. The women wear their hair in top knots, and all but one also wear hair adornments. Three are attired in off the shoulder puffed-sleeved dresses and one woman wears a blue dress with a collar. They all wear jewelry, including earrings and necklaces, as well as ankle-laced shoes and a red ribbon on one leg and a blue ribbon on the other, the latter to aid in the lesson. In the right, “Mr. Boeyfong” stands with his left foot pointed out and holding a violin in one hand and the corresponding bow down toward the foot of the woman across from him. He instructs the pupil to "hold in ze stomach and stick out behind!" He has sideburns and wears his dark hair styled out to the sides. He is attired in a white ruffled shirt, a vest with a floral pattern, a cravat with a floral pattern, a black waistcoat, blue pantaloons, white stockings, and slip on shoes adorned with ribbons. Behind them is a sign with the "Regulations" of the "Saloon" which state that the women must wear the ribbons to distinguish their right foot from their left; they must not come undressed; and they may not have more than ten partners at one time. The women figures are portrayed with oversized features and their skin tone is depicted in brown hand coloring. The man figure is portrayed with muscular physical features and small feet., Title from item., Date inferred from content and name of publisher., Contains several lines of dialogue in dialect and the vernacular above the image: Allons Mademoiselle raise ze leg wis ze red ribbon so bring him to ze ozer leg wis de blue ribbon, hold up ze head, elevate ze bosom, hold in ze stomach and stick out behind! tres bien ver well-/Now Mr. Boeyfong is dat ‘ere step right?, Contains a caption below the image, a quote from Shakespeare's "Hamlet":” A station like the herald Mercury. New lighted on a heaven kissing hill. -Shakespeare., 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., RVCDC, Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022.
Date: [ca. 1833]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in New York (New York Set) [P.9187]

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: 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. "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 blue and pink 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 blue hat adorned with several flowers, greenery, and a veil and long yellow ribbon, yellow gloves, earrings, and blue button-up boots. She rests her blue, 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 brown parasol rests against the counter. Rows of stockings, including in the color of blue, hang on the wall behind the clerk. The clerk is attired in a green 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 hat adorned with blue ribbons is seen in the doorway of the shop in which blue 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 black hand coloring. The man is depicted with rosy cheeks and brown, curled hair., Title from print., Date inferred from content., Inscribed: Plate XI., Inscribed: Copy Right Secured., Probably published by Sarah Hart of Philadelphia., 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: [ca. 1830]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (Philadelphia Set) [P.9701.9]

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 blue and white counter in front of the clerk who holds up a pair of brown-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, white gloves, earrings, and tan button-up boots. She rests her white, 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 green parasol rests against the counter. Rows of stockings, including in the color of blue and pink, hang on the wall behind the clerk. The clerk is attired in a tan waistcoat with tails, a white vest, purple cravat, and purple pants. In the right, an African American woman attired in a blue polka dot dress and tall, wide brimmed hat adorned with ribbons is seen in the doorway of the shop in which purple and white 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 black hand coloring. The man is depicted with dark brown, curled hair., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Plate 11 of the original series published in Philadelphia., After the work of Edward W. Clay., Possibly by New York lithographer Curtis Burr Graham (1814-1890)., 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.
Date: [ca. 1830]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (New York Set) [P.9701.10]

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 left, the woman standing at the green counter in front of the clerk who holds up a pair of black-colored stockings from out of a rectangular box. She is attired in a pink floral patterned dress, as well as yellow tall, wide-brimmed floral-patterned hat adorned with purple flowers, greenery, and a veil and long yellow floral-patterned ribbon, yellow gloves, earrings, and green and red button-up boots. She rests her white, polka-dot-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 yellow parasol rests against the counter. Rows of brown, white, pink, black, and tan stockings and fashion accessories hang on the wall behind the clerk. The clerk is attired in a green waistcoat with tails, a blue vest, white cravat, and white pants. In the left, an African American woman attired in a blue polka dot dress with pink neckerchief and tall, wide brimmed hat adorned with a veil and yellow ribbons is seen in the doorway of the shop in which multi-color curtains hang and are pushed to the side. A shelf lined with bolts of textiles hangs above the doorway. The wheel of a carriage is seen behind the woman. The figures are portrayed with oversized and exaggerated features. The woman’s skin tone is depicted with black hand coloring. The man is depicted with rosy cheeks and brown, curled hair., Title from item., Date inferred from content and name of publisher., After the work of Edward W. Clay., Plate 11 of the original series of Life in Philadelphia., 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!, Inscribed: No. 9., Charles Hunt was a respected London engraver who was most known for his aquatints of sporting subjects., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021.
Date: [ca. 1833]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (London) [P.9710.9]

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 left, the woman standing at the brown counter in front of the clerk who holds up a pair of black-colored stockings from out of a rectangular box. She is attired in a red floral patterned dress, as well as yellow tall, wide-brimmed floral-patterned hat adorned with tan flowers, greenery, and a veil and long yellow floral-patterned ribbon, white gloves, earrings, and brown button-up boots. She rests her white, polka-dot-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 black parasol rests against the counter. Rows of black, white, pink, and yellow stockings and fashion accessories hang on the wall behind the clerk. The clerk is attired in a green waistcoat with tails, a blue vest, white cravat, and white pants. In the left, an African American woman attired in a white polka dot dress and tall, wide brimmed hat adorned with a veil and pink ribbons is seen in the doorway of the shop in which light blue curtains hang and are pushed to the side. A shelf lined with bolts of textiles hangs above the doorway. The wheel of a carriage is seen behind the woman. The figures are portrayed with oversized and exaggerated features. The central woman figure’s skin tone is depicted with black hand coloring and the woman figure in the doorway’s skin tone is depicted with brown hand coloring. The man is depicted with rosy cheeks and brown, curled hair., Title from item., Date inferred from content and name of publisher., After the work of Edward W. Clay., Plate 11 of the original series of Life in Philadelphia., Contains five lines of dialogue in the vernacular and dialect below the image: Have you any flesh coloured silk stockings, young man? Oui Madame! here is von pair of de first qualité!, Inscribed: No. 9., Charles Hunt was a respected London engraver who was most known for his aquatints of sporting subjects., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021.
Creator: Summers, William, artist
Date: [ca. 1860]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (London) [P.9713.2]

Title: Life in Philadelphia. Sketches of character: At home. 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 striped 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, red 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 black and yellow bonnet with a veil and a ribbon tied under her chin, a blue cape over a red dress giving her the appearance of a bell, and gaiter-like shoes. Her husband wears spectacles, a top hat, red-striped shirt, vest, green waist coat, brown pants, and grey 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 from item., Date inferred from content and name of publisher., Inscribed: Pl. 10., After plate by E.W. Clay originally printed by C.G. Childs and published by Clay in Philadelphia in 1830., Charles Ingrey was one of the premier London lithographic printers of the 1830s., RVCDC, Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022.
Creator: Harrison, H., artist
Date: [ca. 1833]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (London Set) [P.9716]

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 left, the woman standing at the blue counter in front of the clerk who holds up a pair of black-colored stockings from out of a rectangular box. She is attired in a yellow floral patterned dress, as well as tall, wide-brimmed floral-patterned hat adorned with yellow flowers, greenery, and a veil and long floral-patterned ribbon, white gloves, earrings, and white button-up boots. She rests her pink, polka-dot-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 brown parasol rests against the counter. Rows of red, blue, brown, black, and yellow stockings and fashion accessories hang on the wall behind the clerk. The clerk is attired in a green waistcoat with tails, a blue vest, white cravat, and white pants. In the left, an African American woman attired in a pink polka dot dress and tall, wide brimmed hat adorned with a veil and green ribbons is seen in the doorway of the shop in which curtains hang and are pushed to the side. A shelf lined with bolts of textiles hangs above the doorway. The wheel of a carriage is seen behind the woman. The figures are portrayed with oversized and exaggerated features. The central woman figure’s skin tone is depicted with black hand coloring and the woman figure in the doorway’s skin tone is depicted with brown hand coloring. The man is depicted with rosy cheeks and brown, curled hair., Title from item., Date inferred from content and name of publisher., After the work of Edward W. Clay., Plate 11 of the original series of Life in Philadelphia., 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!, Charles Hunt was a respected London engraver who was most known for his aquatints of sporting subjects., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021.
Date: [ca. 1831]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Life in Philadelphia (London) [P.9707.3]

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