As the title suggests, the engraving is a portrait of Aunt Winnie, whom Strother's described as an "aged domestic" of "much importance" on a large Virginia estate. "Aunt Winnie," he explained, "was supposed to be upward of a hundred years old, and could count among her descendants children of the fifth generation" (one of whom stands at her side). According to Crayon, Aunt Winnie's cabin, a portion of which is visible in the portrait, "was fitted up with due regard to the comfort of the aged occupant, not forgetting the ornamental, in the shape of highly-colored lithographs and white fringed curtains." (p. 309), Illustration in Harper's New Monthly Magazine, vol. 13, no. 75 (August 1856), p. 310., Engraving accompanies Porte Crayon's [i.e., David Hunter Strother's] "Virginia illustrated. Adventures of Porte Crayon and his cousins," which was published in book form in 1857 by Harper & Brothers of New York., Fels Afro-Americana Image Project, Scenes from Slave Life.
Creator
Orr, John William, 1815-1887, engraver
Date
[August 1856]
Location
Library Company of Philadelphia | Books & Other Texts | Rare Per H 9 62992.O v 13 n 75 August 1856 p 310, https://digital.librarycompany.org/islandora/object/Islandora%3A2872
Group portrait of woman holding her two daughters with her aunt sitting next to her on a couch., Title from photographer's manuscript note on verso., Photographer's manuscript note on verso: Age of the g-g-a 103 yrs. Does not wear glasses, can walk, attend to household duties and possesses a remarkable memory. Is hard of hearing but can keep up a rapid fire conversation. Has a fine sense of humor. Eats what she wants, when she wants it, does not worry and has never had indigestion. Age authentic. (Relate story of the fractured hip and dislocated shoulder blade). Had her hair bobbed., Gift of Margaret Odewalt Sweeney., Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited.
Creator
Wilson, G. Mark (George Mark), 1879-1925, photographer
Date
ca. 1923
Location
Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Wilson 113 [P.8513.113], http://www.lcpimages.org/wilson/wilson113.htm