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No. 2 The introduction

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@ The Library Company of Philadelphia

Description

Second scene based on a racist series of African American caricatures originally created for Harper's Weekly in 1878 by Sol Eytinge that satirized the courtship and marriage of and the start of families by "The Twins." The African American figures are depicted with exaggerated features and mannerisms to portray them as ineptly attempting to model proper white society's social customs and manners. Scene shows the “twins,” side-by-side, curtseying to their two male suitors (one tall and one squat) who stand across the parlor. The tall one bows with his hat in hand. The suitors’ mother, portrayed with a wrinkled face and a polka dot dress, stands between the pairs. The room is adorned with a table that holds a vase of flowers, an album, and a glass. Framed pictures, including a portrait, as well as a cuckoo clock adorn the walls near a window with a partially rolled-up window shade. The twins are attired in polka dot dresses and the men in suits.; McGreer.; Title from item.; Inscribed on original drawing: Remodeled from sketch in Harpers Weekly.; Date from copyright statement in other photographs in series: Copyrighted 1881 John McGreer, Chicago, Ill.; Name of artist stamped on verso: McGreer Chicago.; Name of publisher from other photographs in series.; Forms part of: Photographic reproductions of the Cartoon Printing Co. series after the 1878 Harper’s Weekly "Blackville" series “The Twins."

Record Contributed By

The Library Company of Philadelphia

Record Harvested From

PA Digital