Satiric scene showing high society, i.e., "bon-ton" in a Philadelphia oyster cellar. A "gentleman" descends the stairwell to the swankly decorated cellar where a motley gathering of men drink, smoke, gossip, and suck oysters. An African American bartender serves drinks from decanters in the left of the image. The bar is adorned with a notice reading "City Privilege still without license." Another African American attends the oyster bar. Plates, crackers, salt, and vinegars line the edge. In the right of the image, a sick-faced patron wobbles and spills his drink next to a tall clock with a decorated face and the inscription "Music has charms." Possibly, the cellar at 806 Market Street operated by African American proprietor James Prosser from about 1830., Inscribed on verso: Said Wm Van [?] of the Walnut/ Chestnut? St. Theatre., Philadelphia on Stone, POS 598, Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Bb 38 O 97, LCP exhibit catalogue: Made in America #40., Jackson, Joseph, Encyclopedia of Philadelphia, p. 386-387
