Trade Card for Wilmot Clothing Co., "In the Land of Cotton," 1882

01

Artifact Overview

Late 19th century trade cards contain colorful illustrations and promotional text to sell products. They also reflect the prejudices of the time. This card for a clothing company depicts African Americans picking cotton. To the white consumer, this image subtly reinforced their romanticized view of race relations -- one where benevolent whites ruled and blacks "knew their place."

Artifact Details

Artifact

Trade card

Date Made

1882

Subject Date

1882

Creator Notes

Advertised product sold by Wilmot Clothing Co., Boston, Massachusetts. Card printed by J.H. Bufford's Sons.

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in With Liberty & Justice for All

Object ID

2005.16.15

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Lithography

Color

Multicolored

Dimensions

Height: 4.375 in
Width: 2.625 in

Trade Card for Wilmot Clothing Co., "In the Land of Cotton," 1882