Subject: Caricatures and cartoons

Full-page black and white cartoon from the January 1, 1912 issue of *Life* magazine. The cartoon, titled "History as it Might Have Been," depicts a scene at the Cohenhurst Manor Hotel and is overtly antisemitic.

Newspaper clipping from Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, published October 19, 1872, in New York, New York. The clipping features a cartoon depicting President Grant receiving money from Jewish individuals, alluding to his controversial expulsion order of December 17, 1863. The description notes that Grant's order became a significant 'Jewish' issue in a presidential campaign.

This archival item consists of a single page from the July 1, 1915, issue of *Life* magazine. The page features a cartoon depicting a baseball game, allegorically representing Joshua subduing the Hittites. Published in the United States.

Lead trade token advertising "Smoke Old Virginia Cheroots," manufactured by P. Whitlock. The token, a souvenir of the 1888 Virginia Agricultural, Mechanical, and Tobacco Exposition, features an image of an African American. The obverse reads "SMOKE OLD VIRGINIA CHEROOTS...MANUFACTURED ONLY BY P. WHITLOCK." The reverse reads "SOUVENIR OF THE VIRGINIA AGRICULTURAL, MECHANICAL AND TOBACCO EXPOSITION 1888."

A full-page color cartoon from the January 1, 1897 issue of *Puck* magazine, depicting an anti-Semitic caricature. The cartoon is part of a series of nine on a single page and is titled "A Useful Accomplishment; Or, The Beauty of Swelling a Customer's Head."

A double-page, color cartoon from the July 29, 1891 issue of *Puck*, a satirical weekly newspaper published in New York City. The cartoon depicts a caricature of a Jewish person surrounded by figures representing historical persecutors, accompanied by a poem emphasizing the theme of enduring persecution.

This 17-page pamphlet, published by Carey & Hart in Philadelphia in 1845, reprints caricatures from the British humor magazine *Punch*. The pamphlet includes six humorous illustrations and a four-page back section listing other books for sale by Carey & Hart. The content is likely satirical and reflects the popularity of *Punch* in America.

This trade card advertises A. Hirshberg, a tailor located in Richmond, Virginia. The front of the card features a caricature of a Black woman who appears frazzled after a day at the beach. She is wearing a dress and a straw hat. The back of the card lists Harry Hirshberg as the salesman and the business address as 1547 Main Street. The card is approximately 4.5 inches by 2.75 inches.

This trade card, which is likely from the 1880s, advertises the clothing business of A. J. Wertheim in Middleburgh, New York. The front of the card features a cartoon-like illustration of a Black man holding a cane. This image is likely intended to be humorous or satirical, but it is important to note that it employs racist stereotypes and reflects the prevailing racial prejudices of the time. The back of the card contains a full advertisement for the business. The card has a brown border.

This trade card advertises A. Mahrenholz, a clothier located at 523 Broadway, New York. The front of the card features a caricature of a Black man giving a speech, which is a common stereotype that reflects anti-Black racism. The back of the card is not visible in the image provided. This card is likely from the early 1890s, based on the style of the illustration. The second card, which appears to advertise 'The Broadway’ displays a man in a top hat and another with a walking stick.

This trade card advertises Allen's Jewel 5 Cent Plug Tobacco. The front of the card features a caricature of a Jewish and an Irish man, highlighting a common stereotype. The back of the card is blank. The image on the front is likely from a series of advertisements featuring comical characters.

This trade card advertises the Boston Clothing Co., owned by H. Feibelman, located at 40 State Street in Boston, Massachusetts. The front of the card features a humorous illustration of two Black men, one using an early telephone. One figure is seated on a chair, talking on the phone. The other figure is standing next to the seated figure. The illustration is caricatured and appears to be intended to be humorous, however the illustration uses racial stereotypes and is considered offensive. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card, printed on black paper, advertises C. L. Swartz, a clothier located at 12 South Pearl Street, Albany, New York. The front of the card features a caricature of a well-dressed man wearing pink tights and a green waistcoat. The figure appears to be a joker or clown, with exaggerated features. This image may be interpreted as a form of racist caricature. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises C. L. Swartz, a clothier located at 12 South Pearl Street, Albany, New York. The front of the card features a caricature of a Black man dressed in a top hat, with a cigar in his mouth and yellow tights. The man has a dark complexion. The card is black and is printed on heavy paper. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises the business of Chapman Raphael, a clothier located at 213 & 215 South Second Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The front of the card features a caricature of a Black man playing a horn while wearing striped pants. The back of the card is blank.

This circular trade card advertises Charles F. Saul, successor to Tobey & Saul, a business located at 17 & 19 East Water Street in Syracuse, New York. The front of the card features a caricature of a clown with donkey ears standing in front of two donkeys. The text on the front of the card is written in a circular pattern and identifies Charles F. Saul as the successor to Tobey & Saul. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises Charles Weinberg, a clothier located at 89 Borden Avenue, Hunters Point, Long Island City. The card depicts a ragged, older man with a hat held out for money and a well-dressed young woman dropping a coin into it. The back of the card has a full advertisement. The card is from the 1885 era.

This trade card advertises David's Prize Soap Company, located at 185 & 187 1st Avenue, New York City. The front of the card features a caricature of two African American women. The first woman holds up a basket of clothes as she tells the second woman about her chance to win a house and lot. The back of the card features a full advertisement with a list of prizes. It is unclear what, if anything, the prize soap was intended to be used for, but given the time period and subject matter, it is possible that the soap was marketed to those wanting to lighten their skin.

This trade card advertises Fleischner's and features a greeting for Thanksgiving Day 1880. The front of the card is printed in green with a black figure of a man holding a goose and a basket of food. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises Frauenthal Bros., clothing and dry goods merchants located at 25 South Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The card features three monkeys, one wearing a shoe, another with a hat, and a third in blue clothing. The monkeys are all holding sticks, creating a whimsical and playful scene. The design of the card is simple, featuring only a black and white image with minimal text. This card is one of three. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card for Frauenthal Bros. features a humorous illustration of three monkeys dressed in clothing. One monkey wears a pink boot and a blue hat. Another monkey stands on a stool, and the third monkey wears a pair of men's trousers in blue and blue slippers. The image may be intended as a caricature of Black people. The card appears to be part of a set of three.

This trade card advertises Friedberger & Strouse, a Philadelphia-based retailer of dress trimmings and fancy goods. The card features a black maid holding a white baby who is crying. The front of the card includes the address: 111, 113, & 115 North Eighth Street. The back of the card is blank. This trade card is problematic and insensitive due to its racialized imagery. It is also worth noting that this image was likely a common form of marketing in this period and is an important document in the history of racial representation in American advertising.

This trade card advertises H. B. Epstein, a men's furnisher located at 246 Third Avenue, New York City, between 20th and 21st Streets. The front of the card features a humorous illustration of a man cutting a shirt while another man pulls on something with a cane. A cashier watches the scene and a young boy observes. The back of the card provides a full advertisement for men's furnishings.

This trade card advertises J. Cohn, a clothier located at 419 & 421 Broadway in Albany, New York. The front of the card features a black-and-white caricature of a Black woman, known as a 'Mammy' figure, holding a baby while standing by a fence. The card has a brown border.

This trade card advertises J. Cohn, a clothier located at 419 & 421 Broadway, Albany, New York. The front of the card features a caricature of an elderly Black man reading a newspaper out of a window. The illustration is drawn in a humorous style and is likely intended to be humorous. The card is primarily black and brown in color, with a white border. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card is one of four in a set, advertising Joseph Jacobs, a clothier in Chatham, New York. The card features a comical scene. The illustration depicts a caricatured figure in a top hat, holding a bag of money. The back of the card is blank. [Joseph Jacobs operated a wholesale and retail clothing business in New York. He sold men's, youths', and boys' clothing, and gentlemen's furnishings. He also appears to have had a clothing manufacturing business.]

This trade card advertises Kaufman's, a general store located at 1241 Eleventh Street S.E. in Washington, D.C. The front of the card features a humorous illustration of two vegetable people. A black boy's head is inside a cabbage. The back of the card provides more detailed information about the business.

This trade card for L. & N. Cohn features a comical illustration of a tramp yelling at a dog. The illustration appears to be a caricature of a Jewish man, with a long, hooked nose, exaggerated features, and a torn hat. The scene is depicted in a rustic setting. On the card it states they are located at 329 Kearny Street. The back of the card is blank.

This is one of a set of four trade cards advertising L. Rosenbaum & Sons, a dry goods store located at 201 E. Water St., Elmira, New York. The card features a comical illustration of a school boy, depicted as a dunce, with the caption 'I Never Saw That Pin Afore'. The illustration is a racist caricature, and the boy is shown with exaggerated features and dark skin. The card is printed in black and white, and has a red border. The front of the card has the business name and address. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises L. S. Plaut & Co., a store located at 715 & 719 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey. The front of the card features a black woman holding a baby while standing next to a fence. The woman is wearing a straw hat and a white apron. The text on the card indicates the store sold shoes, hosiery, gloves, and fancy goods. The image uses a caricature style to depict the woman and may be an example of racist imagery. [The back of the card is blank].

This trade card advertises L. Stern, a clothier located at 17 Canal Street, Lyons, New York. The front of the card features a black child in a caricatured style at the top, with a rabbit in the lower corner. The card is part of a series of six trade cards, and only three are pictured in this file. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises Leo Stadler, a clothier located at 104 1/2 Allen Street, Rochester, New York. The front of the card features a caricature of a Black man lying on a stone, with two children teasing him. The back of the card provides advertising for Morrison, the printer. The card's imagery can be interpreted as racially insensitive, as it uses stereotypical imagery and humor to represent Black individuals.

This trade card advertises Levi Bros., a clothing store located at 6th and South Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The front of the card features two black figures holding a sign. The image is a caricature. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises M. Meussdorffer, a clothier in San Francisco, California. The front of the card features a caricature of a Black man holding an advertisement for the store. The advertisement shows the store's location: The northeast corner of Kearny Street and the northeast corner of Montgomery and Bush Streets. The card is sepia-toned. The back is blank.

This trade card advertises Max Stadler & Co., a clothing retailer in New York City. The front of the card depicts a comical scene of two well-dressed African American boys in a horse-drawn buggy that appears to be toppling over. The back of the card provides details about the store's locations: 42 & 44 Newark Avenue, Branch of Broadway cor. Prince St.; Eighth Avenue cor. 40th St. It also includes a full advertisement for the business.

This trade card advertises Max Stadler & Co., a clothier operating in New York City. The card lists two addresses: 565-567 Broadway, corner of Prince Street and 619-621 Eighth Avenue, corner of Fortieth Street. The card features a black man holding an advertisement out of a window, which reads, '10,000 Books Given Away with Purchase'. The background features buildings in the city. The illustration is likely intended to be humorous or satirical, and it may perpetuate racist stereotypes. The back of the card provides a full advertisement for the company.

This trade card advertises Ph. Kohn, a grocer located at 632 Larrabee Street, corner of Centre, in Chicago, Illinois. The front of the card features a caricature of a group of Black people posing for a photograph under a large, brightly colored cloud. The image is humorous and satirical, using caricatures to depict Black people in a stereotypical manner. This is a common trope in American trade cards from this era, with both overtly racist and seemingly innocuous images portraying a dehumanized and comedic view of Black people. The card has a full advertisement on the back, which is not visible in the image.

This trade card advertises Rice, Born & Co., a stove and range dealer located at 77, 79, and 81 Camp Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. The card features a cartoon of a Black woman archer, drawn in a racist caricature. The back of the card is printed with an advertisement for Cotton Plant stoves and ranges.

This trade card advertises Rosenthal's, a clothing store in San Francisco, California. The card features a caricature of two black women standing in a window. Both women are wearing a matching scarf and bandana, which were popular accessories for African American women in the late 19th century. The front of the card appears to have been part of a larger advertisement, with only two of four panels present. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises Rosenthal's clothing store, located at 1418 Polk Street and 1946 Fillmore Street (corner of Pine) in San Francisco. The front of the card features a caricature of a Black man in a red shirt, standing in a window. The man has a bald head and a beard. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises Rosenthal's, a clothing store in San Francisco, California. The card lists two addresses, 1418 Polk Street and 1946 Fillmore Street, corner of Pine. The front of the card features a caricature of a Black boy wearing a stripped shirt, peeking out of a window, possibly an advertisement for the store's clothing. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises Rosenthal's, a clothing store located at 1418 Polk Street and 1946 Fillmore Street, corner of Pine Street, in San Francisco, California. The front of the card features an illustration of two Black women standing at a fence holding a white baby. The scene is framed by a fence with a gate and a house on the left. The women wear brightly colored dresses with white collars and cuffs. The baby has a very small, white bonnet on. The card is a caricature of a Black family, common in advertisements at the time, and shows clear racism against Black people. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises S. I. Freeman's clothing store, located at 14, 16, and 18 Asylum Street. The front of the card features a caricature of two Black children leaning on cellar doors. A Black man with a pipe is opening one of the doors. The illustration is in black and sepia tones against a pink background. The back of the card is a full advertisement.

This trade card for S. Weil, a clothing merchant located at 521 Penn Avenue, Reading, Pennsylvania, features a black and white comical illustration. The card's front displays a comical illustration, most likely of Mr. Weil. The back of the card includes a biography of S. Weil. He is described as a member of numerous organizations and an independent voter.

This trade card advertises Samuel M. Lederer, a clothier located at 207 & 209 Greenwich Street, New York. The front of the card features a caricature of a Chinese man holding a child. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises Ulrich & Co., a dry goods store located at 2204 Third Avenue, corner of 120th Street in New York, New York. The card features a comical illustration of a man looking at a rack of clothing. The card is formatted to look like a store front and uses a caricature of a man to depict the business owner's name. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises Wiener the Tailor, located at 20 Fulton Street, New York City. The front of the card features a caricature of a Black man playing a mandolin while wearing a large, bright red bow tie. The text “Sweet Violets” appears above the figure in the center of the card, which is framed by a simple black border. The back of the card is blank.

Trade card depicting a comical man wearing a high hat. The back of the card is blank. The address '211 Montgomery Street' is visible on the card. The card dates from circa 1885 and is from San Francisco, California.

Trade card depicting a comical boy wearing a stovepipe hat. The front of the card shows the address "515 Main Street" and the image. The back of the card is blank. The card dates from around January 1, 1880. The card's location is unknown, but the geographic coordinates suggest it may be near Buffalo, New York.

This trade card advertises A. Mahrenholz, a men's furnishing store located at 523 Broadway in New York City. The front of the card features a caricature of a Black banjo player, depicted in a comically exaggerated style. This imagery reflects the racist caricatures prevalent in popular culture during the late 19th century. The back of the card contains a full advertisement for the business. The style of the illustration and the overall design of the card suggest a date around 1890.

Trade card for A. Vignolo, located at 14 1st Street, Los Angeles, California. The card depicts an anti-Semitic caricature. The card advertises wines and liquors. Circa 1880.

This is one of two trade cards in this record. The front of the card features a caricature depicting the wooing of two Black twins. The imagery is racially insensitive and stereotypical. The illustration style appears to be from the late 19th century. The back of the card (second image) is a full advertisement for Al. Baumgarten's business, detailing beer delivery services and potentially other beverages, including mineral water. The full advertisement on the back of the card includes details about the delivery of mineral water.

This trade card advertises Austrian & Dreifoos, clothiers located at 705 Penn Street in Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card features a black and white caricature with a racist depiction of a Black person. The illustration is in a comical style. The business's name and address are clearly printed on the card. The back of the card is blank. [Note: The image contains offensive imagery. The library does not endorse the racist depiction.]

This trade card advertises B. Joseph's Sons, clothiers, located at 263 Main Street in Catskill, New York. The front of the card features a caricature of a well-dressed Black man holding a hat. The text 'I'se a dude!' is prominently displayed, along with the business's name and address. The image and text employ racist stereotypes. The back of the card is blank.

Trade card depicting a caricature of a family, possibly intended to be antisemitic. The card features a well-dressed couple and children, suggesting the arrival of new citizens. Undated; likely from the 1860s based on style and context.

Trade card depicting a caricature of a Jewish pawnbroker interacting with a customer. The card is antisemitic in nature and includes the phrase 'Five Years Later'. The card is undated, but based on its style, it is estimated to be from around 1860.

Trade card depicting a man holding a basket of suspenders. This is part two of three cards. The card features antisemitic caricature. Published in the United States in 1882.

A circa 1885 trade card depicting a cartoon of a boy with an axe breaking a bank. The address 546 Broadway St. is also visible on the card. The card is part of Manuscript Collection 1410, located in the Out-of-Series (OOS) collection, Box 2, Folder 69. The subject matter relates to mercantile activities.

Trade card advertising Cohen Bros. Big Grocery in Gloversville, New York. The card features a comical illustration of a boy and a dog. Circa 1885.

This trade card, advertising David Rose's umbrella shop, features a comical illustration. The front of the card shows a caricature, possibly intended to be humorous but containing racist imagery of a Black person. The text on the front reads "SCOOT BROTHER SCOOT!!" and provides the business address: 39 SOUTH QUEEN STREET. The back of the card is a business directory, listing J. Ostheim.

This is one of a set of five comical trade cards issued by E. Nunes. The front of the card depicts a caricature of a Black man playing a tambourine, with the caption "Just So." The image is a racist depiction and should be viewed in that historical context. The back of the card features an advertisement with a Christmas story. The address listed on the front is Corner 5th, Montgomery & Germantown Aves.

This trade card advertises Eben & Berckowitz, clothing merchants located at the corner of Broome Street and Springfield Avenue in Newark, New Jersey. The front of the card features a humorous cartoon depicting a woman, possibly a shopper, labeled "The Shopping Fiend That Takes the Surplus." The illustration is likely meant to be lighthearted and eye-catching. The style of the cartoon and the overall design suggest a late 19th-century origin. The back of the card is blank. A note indicates that the card was on display at a Library of Congress Exhibit in Cincinnati during 2005 (AJA).

This trade card advertises Edwin C. Burt, purveyor of fine shoes. The front of the card depicts a caricature: a woman is being carried in a shoe by two young African American men. This imagery is likely meant to be humorous, but also reflects the racist attitudes prevalent during this period. The back of the card displays an 1880 calendar. The card was presented by Samuel Cohn in New York City.

This trade card, from Fleischmann & Co., features a striking illustration on the front of a Black man carrying a large tray laden with buckwheat cakes and syrup. The quantity of cakes is comically exaggerated. The image is a caricature and perpetuates racist stereotypes. The back of the card is a full advertisement for Fleischmann's Compressed Yeast, including instructions on how to make griddle cakes. The text is in both English and German.

This trade card advertises the Great Bankrupt Boot & Shoe Company, located at 53 and 55 State Street in Albany, New York. The card features a racially insensitive illustration of a Black man holding a child dressed in a sailor suit on his lap. The image is a caricature and reflects the racist stereotypes prevalent in the late 19th century. The business name, "GREAT BANKRUPT BOOT & SHOE COMPANY," is prominently displayed on the card. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises Grumme & Klippenstein's West End Furniture Rooms in Elmira, New York. The front of the card features a simple line drawing of a stick figure, possibly a caricature, in a green waistcoat and black tights. The figure's attire and style are reminiscent of 19th-century illustrations. Below the illustration, the business name and address are prominently displayed: GRUMME & KLIPPENSTEIN, 218 TO 222 WEST WATER STREET. The back of the card is blank. The inclusion of a caricature of a Black man in the image warrants attention, as it reflects the racial biases of the time period and may be considered offensive.

This trade card advertises H. B. Epstein, purveyor of men's and boys' clothing, located at 246 Third Avenue between 20th and 21st Streets in New York City. The front of the card features a caricature of a Black man in what might be considered a racially insensitive depiction of the time. The illustration's style is comical, likely intended to be humorous, though its racial connotations are problematic by modern standards. The text on the card indicates the business's address and the types of clothing sold. The back of the card is blank.

Trade card depicting a factory in a port on one side and a cartoon of a vagrant stealing clothes on a beach on the other. Circa 1885. The card includes a post office box number, indicating a Baltimore, Maryland address. The card's imagery suggests a possible mercantile business.

Anti-Semitic cartoon on yellow card stock depicting a mohel and baby boy. The card is circa 1885 and was issued by Samuel Goldring.

This trade card advertises J. Levy's Star Clothing House located at 130 Washington Street in Binghamton, New York. The front of the card features a caricature of a Black minstrel performing on a telephone. This imagery reflects the racist stereotypes prevalent in American popular culture during the late 19th century. The business name, "Star Clothing House," and the address are clearly printed beneath the illustration. The back of the card is blank. The card's imagery and subject matter should be considered within the historical context of racism and minstrelsy.

This trade card advertises J. Levy's Star Clothing House, located at 130 Washington Street in Binghamton, New York. The card features a caricature of a Black minstrel on a telephone, with the telephone wires sparking or short-circuiting. This imagery reflects the racist stereotypes prevalent in American popular culture during the late 19th century. The illustration is likely meant to be humorous, though it uses offensive imagery. Below the illustration, the text clearly states the business name and address. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises J. Mandelbaum, a clothier located at 20 South Pearl Street in Albany, New York. The front of the card depicts a caricature of a Black boy watching a rabbit run. The image is likely intended as humorous, but it reflects the racist imagery common in advertising materials of the late 19th century. The address, "20 South Pearl St.", is clearly printed on the card. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card for Jacobi & Mack, clothiers, is divided between two images. The front of the card features a caricature comparing a monkey and a man, a racist trope common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The back of the card contains a full advertisement for the business. The style and imagery suggest a date consistent with the approximate date of the card. Further details of the advertisement on the back are not visible in the provided image.

This trade card for Julius Saul, advertising men's and boys' clothing, features a controversial illustration on the front. The image depicts a caricature of a Black baby eating a watermelon. This imagery reflects deeply problematic racial stereotypes prevalent in the late 19th century. Below the image, the address is clearly printed: 324 & 326 River St. The back of the card is blank. A second image is included in the record, but a description is not available.

This trade card, one of three in the record, advertises Kaufman's Restaurant in Savannah, Georgia. The card features a black and white illustration. A young Black boy is depicted in a window of the restaurant, holding a sign with the restaurant's address. The style of the illustration is somewhat caricatured. The front of the card shows the address: Cor. Congress and Drayton. The back of the card is blank.

This is one of three trade cards in this record advertising Kaufman's Restaurant in Savannah, Georgia. The card depicts a caricature of a Black man holding up a sign with the restaurant's address. The image is in black and white, and the style is consistent with late 19th-century printmaking techniques. The address, "Cor. Congress and Drayton," is clearly visible on the sign held by the figure. The back of the card is blank.

This is one of two trade cards in the record advertising Kaufman's Restaurant in Savannah, Georgia. The card depicts a Black woman holding a sign with the restaurant's address using clothespins. The image is presented as a caricature, and the visual representation reflects the racist caricatures common in the late 19th century. The address, Cor. Congress and Drayton, is clearly visible on the sign held by the figure. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises L. Mayer's Shirt & Underwear Store, located at 76 Asylum Street in Hartford, Connecticut. The front of the card features a comical illustration of an Irishman and a Chinaman. This is one of a set of seven cards. The illustration is likely intended to be humorous, but it reflects the racist caricatures prevalent in the late 19th century. The text on the card clearly states the business name and its claim to be the "sole mfg. of the Atlas shirt." The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises L. Mayer's Shirt & Underwear Store, located at 76 Asylum Street in Hartford, Connecticut. The front of the card features a humorous illustration of two caricatured Chinese men. This image is part of a set of seven similar cards. The text on the card clearly states the business name and its specialty: "Shirt & Underwear Store, sole mfg. of the Atlas shirt." The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises L. Mayer's Shirt & Underwear Store in Hartford, Connecticut. The front of the card displays a full advertisement announcing the store as the "sole mfg. of the Atlas shirt." The address, 76 Asylum Street, is prominently featured. The imagery includes comical illustrations of Black people. This is one of a set of seven cards. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises Louis Geist, a men's and boys' clothing store located at 260 Bowery, between Prince and Houston Streets in New York City. The front of the card features a comical illustration. A Black man has his head stuck in a board, and a person throwing a ball accidentally hits a woman. The illustration is a caricature and contains racist imagery. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises Louis Sacks, a clothier located at 91 Market Street, opposite Washington Street, in Newark, New Jersey. The front of the card depicts a caricature of a Black man holding the advertisement out of a window. The image is striking and uses a style common in late 19th-century advertising. The address is clearly printed on the card. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card for M. Bierman's Son, clothiers, located at 16 Church Street in New Brunswick, New Jersey, features a whimsical illustration of monkeys fishing from a shoe. The image is likely a caricature and contains elements that could be considered racist. The style of the illustration and the overall design of the card suggest a late 19th-century origin, aligning with the circa 1885 date. The card is trimmed, indicating it may have been part of a larger set or collection. The back of the card is blank.

Trade card advertising the business of M. Gunst, a manufacturing agent located at 65 South Pearl Street in Albany, New York. The card features a depiction of boots and shoes in a window, done in black and sepia. The card is estimated to be from circa 1885. The card includes imagery that uses racist caricatures of Black people.

This trade card advertises M. Hirsh's secondhand business in Sacramento, California. The front of the card depicts a caricature of a Black child eating watermelon. This imagery reflects the racist stereotypes prevalent during the late 19th century. The address, 813 J Street, is visible on the card. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises Max Stadler & Co., clothiers, located at 565 & 567 Broadway, corner of Prince Street, Jersey City, New Jersey. The front of the card features a caricature depicting two Black men in a horse-drawn cart that appears to be on the verge of tipping over. The scene is titled "The Home Stretch." The illustration style is suggestive of late 19th-century graphic design. The back of the card is fully covered with an advertisement. [While the image is humorous, it is important to acknowledge that its depiction of Black people is rooted in racist stereotypes common during that era.].

This trade card advertises Max Stadler & Co., clothiers with multiple locations in New York City and Newark, New Jersey. The front of the card depicts a caricature of Black children with a broken horse-drawn seat. This imagery is problematic and reflects the racist attitudes prevalent during the time period. The illustration's style is consistent with late 19th-century printmaking techniques. Below the illustration, the card lists the business's addresses: 619 & 621 Eighth Ave. cor. 40th St.; Branch of Broadway cor. Prince; and 42 and 44 Newark Ave. The back of the card features a full advertisement; the text is too small to fully transcribe.

This trade card, advertising Max Stadler & Co., depicts a comical horse race scene. The illustration is done in black and white and shows horses and jockeys in a humorous, slightly chaotic race. The style suggests a late 19th-century aesthetic. The card includes the company's address: 565 & 567 Broadway, cor. Prince Street, New York. The front of the card features the illustration and address. The back of the card is not blank and displays an advertisement for a removal sale.

This trade card advertises Max Stadler & Co., a clothing retailer with two locations in New York City: 461-467 Broadway, cor. Grand St., and 619-621 Eighth Ave., cor. 40th St. The front of the card features a drawing of a Black girl with a blue bonnet and a yellow and orange dress holding clothes pins. She stands in front of a fence with an advertisement on it and pink lilacs. The back of the card announces a “Full Dissolution Sale.” The style of the illustration and the sale announcement suggest that this card is from the late 19th century. The back of the card shows an image of clothing items.

This trade card advertises the Mordecai & Smith Clothing House located at 178 West Baltimore Street in Baltimore, Maryland. The front of the card (Image 1) depicts a comical figure in a Pilgrim hat within a scene described as containing mostly racist imagery. The back of the card (Image 1, verso) is blank. The card is one of six similar cards in the collection. [Research indicates that M. (Moses) C. (Cohen) Mordecai, possibly the famous Charleston Confederate (1804-1888), and Judson H. Smith were business partners operating under the name Mordecai & Smith Clothing House.]

This trade card advertises Mordecai & Smith Clothing House, located in Baltimore, Maryland. The card's imagery features a comical man in a Pilgrim hat within mostly racist scenes. [Research indicates this is likely a reference to Moses C. (Cohen) Mordecai, a Charleston Confederate (1804-1888), and his business with Judson H. Smith. Numerous court records exist concerning his son, J. Randolph Mordecai, as executor of the will, dealing with issues in Baltimore.] The verso of the card is blank. The card is one of six in a set.

This trade card advertises Nathan Lieberman's clothing store located at the southeast corner of 5th and Market Streets in Wilmington, Delaware. The front of the card features a caricature of a Black boy tickling a sleeping companion. The illustration is rendered in a style typical of late 19th-century trade cards, with bold outlines and simple shading. The imagery is racially insensitive and reflects the problematic stereotypes prevalent during that period. Below the illustration, the business name and address are prominently displayed. The back of the card is blank. A second image in this record shows the same illustration with some color.

This trade card advertises Nathan's Shoe Establishment, located at 221 Sixth Avenue between 14th and 15th Streets in New York City. The front of the card (Image 1) depicts a caricature of a Black minstrel, labeled as "Card No. 58." The illustration is a visual representation of the racist minstrelsy that was prevalent in American entertainment at the time. The back of the card (Image 2) provides additional information: "Headquarters for the Patent Ankle-Supporting Shoes; Ankle Supporting Shoe Company 44 Warren Street, NYC." The back also indicates the card number, 58. The imagery and subject matter reflect the social and cultural norms of the late 19th century. The back of the card is not blank.

This trade card for Nicholl's Blackberry Balsam Cure features a black and white illustration of a caricature of a Jewish-appearing man with two boys, all with exaggeratedly large noses. This image reflects antisemitic stereotypes prevalent during that time. The text on the card advertises "MONEY TO LOAN" and promotes Nicholl's Blackberry Balsam as a cure for various ailments. The illustration is on the front of the card; the back of the card is blank. This is one of two cards in the record.

This trade card advertises Polack's Clothing House in St. Louis, Missouri. The front of the card features a depiction of a racist scene: a caricature of a Chinese person fighting a cat over a rat. Below the illustration, the text advertises Polack's as having the "Largest Stock and Lowest Price in the City." The address, S. E. Corner of Fourth & Olive Sts., St. Louis, Missouri, is also printed on the card. The back of the card is blank. Note: The imagery on this card reflects deeply problematic racial stereotypes and prejudices prevalent in the 19th century. This material is presented for historical context and does not reflect the values of the institution.

This trade card advertises Rice, Born & Co., located at 77, 79, and 81 Camp Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. The front of the card features a colored cartoon depicting a Black man playing tennis. The illustration is presented in a caricature style. The image is likely intended as humorous, but it reflects the racist caricatures common in advertising of the period. The back of the card features the company's advertisement for Cotton Plant stoves or ranges. The back of the card is not blank.

A circa 1885 trade card depicting a comical scene of a woman beating a giraffe with an umbrella. The card indicates a business location at 22 South Salina Street, Syracuse, New York. The card is part of the collection E.

This trade card for S. & G. Gump, located at 581 & 583 Market Street in San Francisco, features a comical illustration of a Black person eating watermelon. The image is a caricature and reflects racist stereotypes prevalent during that era. The illustration is rendered in black and white, likely using a printing technique common in the late 19th century. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises S. Mayer & Bro., clothiers located at 320 Bowery, corner of Bleecker Street, in New York City. The front of the card features a comical illustration of children crying, possibly referencing a popular comedic trope. The illustration likely served to attract attention. The style of the drawing and the subject matter are characteristic of late 19th-century advertising. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises S. Shoneman's store, located at 101 South Eleventh St., Philadelphia, PA (first store below Chestnut St.). The front of the card features a whimsical illustration of a Black man shaving a pig. The image is a caricature that uses humor to promote the business; however, it is important to acknowledge the racist imagery present. The illustration is predominantly in black and white, with simple linework and shading, highlighting the contrast between the barber and his unusual client. The back of the card is fully covered in additional advertisement text, although the content is not visible in the provided image.

This trade card advertises Samuel Meyers, a clothier located at 175 Main Street in Danbury, Connecticut. The front of the card features a caricature depicting a scene titled "A Cabin in the Good Old Time." The illustration is in black and white and appears to be a comedic portrayal of a scene involving Black people, which reflects the racist caricatures common in 19th-century American popular culture. The back of the card is fully covered with an advertisement. The style and imagery suggest a date consistent with the 1882 date provided.

This trade card advertises Shoneman Brothers, purveyors of fancy goods, located at 116, 118 & 120 North Eighth Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The front of the card features a comical illustration of a Black man hanging out of a window, possibly intended as a form of advertising or a humorous caricature. The imagery contains elements that some viewers might consider racist. The style of the illustration and the overall design of the card suggest it is from the late 19th century. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card for Sol. Strauss, a men's and boys' clothing dealer, features a caricature of a Black man holding a pig by its tail. The image is striking and likely intended to be humorous, though it reflects the racist imagery prevalent in the late 19th century. The card's design is simple; the illustration dominates the front, with the business information—28 East Third Street—placed prominently beneath it. The back of the card is blank. The card's style suggests it is from the late 19th century.

Trade card depicting a Black man with an advertising sign in a window. The address 15 Main Street is visible. Circa 1885.

This trade card advertises W. Duke, Sons & Co. The front of the card features a caricature depicting a man, possibly Ockstein, greeting a baby. The illustration is in a style common to late 19th-century trade cards, employing simple lines and shading. The name "Duke & Sons" is prominently displayed. The back of the card is blank. The card's imagery, combining a friendly scene with the company name, suggests a marketing strategy aimed at establishing a positive brand image. However, the subject tags provided by the donor indicate the presence of anti-Semitic elements, which should be interpreted carefully by researchers and viewers. This is particularly important given the historical context of anti-semitism and the representation of Jewish merchants in this period.

This trade card for Wiener, a clothing retailer located at 20 Fulton Street in New York City, features a comical illustration. The image is a caricature of a Black man playing a tambourine. The style and subject matter reflect the racist stereotypes prevalent in the late 19th century. The main text on the card reads, "COMICAL BLACK..."JUST SO"...BLACK WITH A TAMBOOREN." and lists the address of the business. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises Wurkheim's Cloak and Suit House in Oakland, California. The front of the card (Image 1: https://iiif-images.library.upenn.edu/iiif/2/0fbb6264-71eb-45c7-92a3-745ba6ebf159%2Faccess/full/!600,600/0/default.jpg) features a depiction of a scene with Black figures picking cotton, and two boys tripping a woman with a rope. The text on the card includes the business' address: 1109 Broadway. The illustration is caricaturish and employs racist imagery. The back of the card (Image 2: https://iiif-images.library.upenn.edu/iiif/2/0ecfb291-db5c-49eb-8366-05f85da6e8da%2Faccess/full/!600,600/0/default.jpg) is blank. [The donor's wife is listed as a donor to a synagogue, which provides additional context regarding the donor's background.]

A watercolor caricature depicting a stereotypical portrayal of a wealthy Jew. The drawing, possibly copied from a Pennsylvania German ABC book, features exaggerated facial features and attire. It is characterized by anti-Semitic tropes and was likely created circa 1885.

Colored wood block print depicting a woman with Semitic features dressed in rich clothing. The print is captioned "OLD GRAB" and includes a verse about grasping and miserliness. Created circa 1870s.