MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2011
The Dark Side of Currier & Ives
by Stephen J. Gertz
When we think of Currier and Ives we think of scenes like the above, The Road - Winter by Otto Knirsch, published by C&I in 1853, and now ubiquitously found on Christmas and greeting cards, postage stamps, and calendars. It is one of many enduring images published by Nathaniel Currier and James Merrit Ives that have become deeply embedded in the American psyche, each a slice of warm toast that make all Americans feel good, sentimental, and nostalgic for bygone days. They are all easily digestible.
Outside of collectors and curators, however, few are aware that between 1879 - 1890 Currier & Ives issued a series of color lithographs embracing all the worst stereotypes about Black Americans. ItsDarktown series was, in fact, one of Currier & Ives' best-sellers, one print alone selling an astounding 73,000 copies.
booktryst.com
Reading: Leitura:
Bryan F. Le Beau, "African Americans in Currier and Ives's America: The Darktown Series," Journal of American & Comparative Cultures 23, 1 (Spring 2000), 71-83
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