A Mississippi Coast Peddler 1888 colorized print Black Americana by E.W. Kemble

Description: Original Vintage Print: A Mississippi Coast Peddler by E.W. Kemble Year of Publication: 1888 Harper's weekly Size: 16" x 11" 41cm x 28 cm Condition: good, normal aging (see pictures) will combine shipping if multiple items are purchasedEdward Windsor Kemble (1861–1933), commonly known as E. W. Kemble, was a prominent American illustrator and cartoonist, best known for his depictions of Southern life, particularly in relation to African American culture, as well as his illustrations of Mark Twain’s and Harriet Beecher Stowe's work. His artwork captured a range of characters and everyday scenes, often with humor and social commentary, making him a significant figure in late 19th and early 20th-century American illustration.Early Life and Career BeginningsBorn in Sacramento, California, and raised in New Jersey, Kemble had no formal art training but began his career early. His self-taught talent in drawing gained him notice, and by his late teens, he was working as a cartoonist for several newspapers.He gained wider recognition when his drawings were published in magazines like Life and Harper’s Weekly. His illustrations were notable for their expressive, energetic lines and keen attention to character detail.Illustrating "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"Kemble is perhaps best known for his illustrations of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, published in 1884. Twain personally selected him for the job, impressed by Kemble’s ability to capture Southern characters and settings with authenticity and humor.Kemble's illustrations for Huckleberry Finn helped readers visualize the iconic characters of Huck and Jim. His artwork added depth to Twain's portrayal of life along the Mississippi River, shaping the public's perception of the story and its characters.Other Literary IllustrationsIn addition to Huckleberry Finn, Kemble illustrated other classic works of American literature. He provided illustrations for Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin and Joel Chandler Harris’s Uncle Remus stories.His work on these books, especially those featuring African American characters, was popular at the time. However, Kemble’s portrayals have since come under scrutiny for perpetuating racial stereotypes common in the period. These illustrations reflect the racial attitudes of the era but also serve as historical artifacts that underscore the complexities and biases in American visual culture of the 19th century.Style and ThemesKemble's style is characterized by lively, detailed line work and an emphasis on expressive faces and gestures. His characters are often depicted in humorous or exaggerated poses, making them accessible and memorable to viewers.Many of his drawings depict scenes from everyday life with humor, whether illustrating rural Southern life or urban vignettes. He was known for a knack for character studies and could depict a wide range of emotions and personalities with just a few strokes.Legacy and Later WorkBeyond literature, Kemble’s work appeared in many popular publications, such as Harper’s Weekly, Collier’s, and Life. His cartoons often addressed social issues of the day, including politics, culture, and race, in ways that reflected and influenced public opinion.Later in his career, as new styles and artists emerged, Kemble’s work fell out of fashion, and he produced fewer illustrations. However, his contributions to American illustration were rediscovered and appreciated later, especially by collectors and historians.Kemble's work is now regarded as both a significant contribution to American illustration and a controversial reflection of the racial attitudes of his time.Influence and Cultural ImpactKemble’s influence on visualizing American literature and life in the late 1800s is lasting. His work on Huckleberry Finn remains iconic, helping shape the way readers visualize Twain’s characters even today. His contributions helped define illustration as a central part of the American literary experience, especially in the 19th century when books were as much visual as they were textual. Although his portrayals, particularly of African American characters, are dated and problematic by modern standards, Kemble remains a significant figure for his artistic contributions to American culture and his role in the evolution of literary illustration.

Price: 34.99 USD

Location: Montrose, California

End Time: 2025-02-14T01:16:44.000Z

Shipping Cost: 7.75 USD