Original 1885 Currier & Ives Lithograph: "THE COON CLUB HUNT - Taking a Header"

Description

13.5" x 17.5" Chromolithograph
Original 1885 Currier & Ives "THE COON CLUB HUNT" Color Lithograph/chromolithograph issued as part of Currier & Ives' racist series "Darktown Comics."
From about 1856, Currier & Ives was the most successful American popular printmaker because of their good business sense and their accurate instincts of what the American public wanted. They offered a wide and varied gallery of prints for the new middle class society and their images are classics, capturing the life, times and attitudes of nineteenth century America.
This 1885 caricature was one of their "Darktown Comics," which featured humorous, but racist cartoons, reinforcing negative racial stereotypes of the day.
condition:
In overall good condition consistent with age.
Overall toning and a vertical area of darker toning on the right side.
The print was originally taped to this mat and, prior to my acquisition, it was re-taped on two sides with clear tape, but not centered in the mat. I chose to not attempt to remove that tape to reposition the print for my photographs.
Some tears along the edge as can be seen in photos of the reverse. Please examine the photos and ask questions, if any.
Mat size: 18 x 22 inches
Print size: 13.5 x 17.5 inches