View puportedly showing "Naylor's Grand Fancy Dress Party" at the Masonic Hall on February 5, 1850. Party attendees, most in costume, crowd the floor and balconies of the hall. Costumed guests include a monk holding a cross, harlequins, peasants, Native Americans, and fops. Also shows some guests displaying suggestive behavior, including nuzzling and a man holding a woman's breast. A small orchestra plays in the right of the image and guests dance in the background. Hall decorated with a tropical backdrop., Manuscript note on recto: Chinese Museum., Title partially printed on mount., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 638, Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Bc 04 H 291, Manuscript note on verso: Purchased from Charles Sussler 9/11/[19]57. Penrose fund., Name and location of ball supplied by Wainwright as cited in the Public Ledger, February 5, 1850, p. 3. Scene more likely of the Maennechor Fancy Dress Ball at the Chinese Museum announced in the Public Ledger, February 4, 1850.
Creator
Harnisch, Carl, 1800-1883, artist
Date
[1850]
Location
Historical Society of Pennsylvania HSP Bc 04 H 291