Black History
1884 Handcolored Currier & Ives “Darktown” Series Print
1884-Dated, Handcolored Print, “The Darktown Hook and Ladder Corps. Going to the Front.”, by Currier & Ives, Choice Near Mint.
This colorful, Handcolored Print measures 14.5” x 11.75” (by sight), framed to an overall size of 20.5” x 17.5”. Print depicts a Firewagon being manned by a group of Blacks, seemingly in a panic, while onlookers wave them on. As in other Darktown Series prints by Currier & Ives, this print stereotypes African Americans. Two faint vertical stains show through the reverse along right side. Not examined out of frame.
Prints such as the Darktown Series helped circulate images promoting racial and ethnic stereotyping of the 19th century. Currier & Ives printed what the public wanted and capitalized on racism and xenophobia of the era. There are other series of Currier & Ives prints ridiculing the Irish, the Italians, and Roman Catholics.