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Caricature Art, Fashion, Girl of the Period, Currier & Ives, New York, Antique Print, 19th C.

$425

The Girl of the Period
Currier & Ives, New York: 4th Quarter 19th Century
Hand-colored lithograph
14 x 8.5 inches

An American caricature of a late-19th-century woman, with a humorous satirical view of her trendy city style. She is shown frankly gazing at the viewer wearing an over-the-top hat decorated with a stuffed squirrel, her hair in a braid that dangles to her knee. She is holding a bullwhip in one hand and a lit cigarette in the other. The print is undated but the style of her dress suggests it was done in the last quarter of the 19th century.

Product description continues below.

Description

The lithography firm of Currier & Ives was founded in 1834 by Nathaniel Currier as N. Currier, Lithographer, and based in New York. In 1852, he brought his brother-in-law, James Merritt Ives, into the business and renamed the firm Currier & Ives five years later. They were extremely prolific and highly successful, producing almost 7,500 different separately issued art prints through the 19th century until 1907, aptly advertising themselves as “Print-makers to the American People.” Their prints were issued in either small, medium or large folio, though some particularly popular images were issued in more than one size. Dozens of American artists in the mid 19th century painted primarily for lithographic reproduction by Currier & Ives and other firms. To please a broad audience, the firm presented a warmly positive vision of America, frequently sentimental, and sometimes with a touch of humor. Currier & Ives prints generally portrayed the American landscape, scenery and landmarks, including the westward expansion, as well as daily life in both urban and rural settings. Their sporting and maritime subjects were particularly popular. These prints are now highly collectible as records of American history, as fine works of American art, and for their decorative appeal.

Full publication information: Published by Currier & Ives, 152 Nassau St. New York.

Condition: Generally very good with the usual overall toning, wear, and handling. Few scattered areas of pale discoloration and foxing spots, unobtrusive.

References:

Bonfante-Warren, Alexandra. Currier & Ives: Portraits of a Nation. New York: Metro Books, 1998. pp. 9, 23-41, 57, 61, 71, 94-96.

Conningham, Frederic A. Currier and Ives Prints: An Illustrated Check List. New York: Crown, 1949. 2378.

Additional information

Century

19th Century