[Finale of an unidentified theatrical production]
Title
[Finale of an unidentified theatrical production]
Description
Depicts the entire cast of men gesturing toward center stage where the show's "female" star is hoisted on the shoulders of two cast members. In the left, a supporting player, wearing Black face and costumed as a messenger in a cap and white gloves, kneels and points with his right hand. The front row of actors kneel, many of whom are attired as women in large brimmed hats and dresses with tulle skirts. The back row of actors stand, attired in white collared shirts, ties, dark-colored jackets, and white pants. The backdrop depicts a small town street including "Bernies Antique Shop," a drug store, and a post office. "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 supplied by cataloger., Photographer's imprint ink stamped on verso., Description of Blackface minstrelsy from Dorothy Berry, Descriptive Equity and Clarity around Blackface Minstrelsy in H(arvard) T(heater) C(ollection) Collections, 2021., Gift of Joseph Kelly, 1982., 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., 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
Photo Illustrators (Firm), photographer
Date
[ca. 1925]
Location
Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Photo-Illustrators-11x14 [P.8882.20]
[Charles J. Webb Company float during a parade along a Philadelphia street]
Title
[Charles J. Webb Company float during a parade along a Philadelphia street]
Description
View of the float for Charles J. Webb Co., Philadelphia woolen and cotton yarn dealer. Bordered by a log fence and adorned with cotton plants and two small American flags, the float carries four live sheep and several costumed passengers including: three African American men attired as cotton pickers; a white man attired as a colonial lady near her spinning wheel; and a white boy attired as a colonial sheepherder holding his crook. Partial view of preceding float is visible with a white man attired in colonial garb. A large, stone building lines the street., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred from content., Purchase 1989., 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 the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Date
[ca. 1920]
Location
Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department photos - unidentified - processions [P.9260.638]