Black History
1884 Handcolored Currier & Ives “Darktown” Series Print
1884-Dated, Handcolored Print titled, “The Darktown Hook and Ladder Corps. In Action.” by Currier & Ives, Choice Mint.
This colorful, Handcolored Print measures 14.5” x 11.75” (by sight), framed to an overall size of 20.5” x 17.5”. This Print depicts a group of Black firemen trying to rescue the occupants of a burning house. As in other Darktown Series prints by Currier & Ives, this print stereotypes African Americans. 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.