Illustrated by
Currier and Ives, American, 1834 - 1907
Published by
Koehler, Joseph, American, 1893 - 1912
Date
ca. 1900
Medium
lithographic ink on paper
Dimensions
L x W: 13 x 17 in. (33 x 43.2 cm)
Description
A full color chromolithographic print titled The Darktown Fire Brigade - Slightly Demoralized. The racist caricature depicts a broken wagon with a fire hose on its side on a bridge. Men are fighting in the water, on the bridge, and in the background. A donkey is standing on its hind legs in the center of the image. To the right of the donkey a fireman is holding a broken bugle. Another man is trying to start his coat on fire. Copyright information, the publisher and the title are printed in black ink under the image. Printed on the bottom left corner is “CURRIER & IVES SERIES, No. 12.” Printed below the title is “I know we'd make em take water!”
Statement
Objects depicting racist and/or stereotypical imagery or language may be offensive and disturbing, but the NMAAHC aims to include them in the Collection to present and preserve the historical context in which they were created and used. Objects of this type provide an important historical record from which to study and evaluate racism.
Place printed
New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Racist and Stereotypical Objects
Type
chromolithographs
Topic
Art
Caricature and cartoons
Stereotypes
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2012.57.5
Restrictions & Rights
Public domain
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5e71652ac-d35a-41d4-a895-2381cc1af98a

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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