| Method | Mezzotint |
| Artist | Henry James Pidding |
| Published | London, Published for the Artist. Decr. 8th 1828. by Pidding & Co. No.1. Cornhill. |
| Dimensions | Image 310 x 262 mm, Sheet 385 x 262 mm |
| Notes |
Text below image reads: From the Original Picture in the collection of the Right Honble. Lord Charles Townshend to whom by Permission this Plate is most respectfully dedicated by his Lordships obliged and very humble Servant, Henry Pidding. A rare print showing a cheerful, and tipsy, black servant sat by a small side table pouring a large glass of wine. A key, next to a bottle opener and a cork, is labelled 'cellar', a dog watches on with its head tilted to one side. The period in which these prints were published is an interesting and important point in the history of slavery and black history. Although by the time the original painting, from which this mezzotint was taken, was completed the slave trade had been abolished, slaves across the world had not yet been freed. In 1807 the Slave Trade Act was passed, however slaves in the British colonies were not freed until 1838, and only after slave-owners received compensation. This print and its accompaniment are precursors to the dehumanising and racist 'coon' prints of the late 1800 and early 1900's, portraying black people as lazy, chronically idle and inarticulate. Previous depictions, like this print, described the black servant as 'Sambo', the sitters being portrayed as loyal and contented servants. The 'Sambo' imagery and racist stereotype was offered as a defence for slavery and segregation. This picture was originally intended as a companion piece to 'The Fair Penitent' (Stock No. 51755). Henry James Pidding (1797 - 1864) was a British artist and engraver. Born in London, Pidding was most known for his humorous paintings depicting domestic life. He exhibited at the Royal Academy and the British Institution. Lennox-Boyd ii/ii Ex. Col.: Hon. Christopher Lennox-Boyd. Condition: Trimmed to image on top and sides and laid to page. Foxing and toning to page. Lennox-Boyd collector stamp on verso. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £1,000.00 |
| Stock ID | 51756 |