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Chimney sweeps boy in May Day dress, 1800s. 1821 (engraving)
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Chimney sweeps boy in May Day dress, 1800s. 1821 (engraving)
7234196 Chimney sweeps boy in May Day dress, 1800s. 1821 (engraving) by Alexander, William (1767-1816) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Chimney sweeps boy in May Day dress, 1800s. Chimney sweepers parade and dance in ludicrous ribboned costumes in London on May 1 Ramoneur en costume du 1er de Mai. Handcoloured copperplate engraving after an illustration by William Alexander from J-B. Eyries L Angleterre ou Costumes, Moeurs et Usages des Anglais, England: Costumes, Manners and Mores of the English, Librairie de Gide Fils, Paris, 1821. Jean-Baptiste Eyries(1767-1846) was aFrenchgeographer, author and translator.); © Florilegius
Media ID 25214786
© Florilegius / Bridgeman Images
1st May Career Celebrating Celebratory Event Celebratring Child Exploitation Child Labor Child Labour Chimney Sweeper Customs And Traditions Ethnicity Festivity First Of May Great Tribulation Holiday Party May Day National Costume Partying Profession Professions Rejoice Rejoiced Rejoicings Younghood C European Economic Community C European Union Costume Design Ethnography Fancy Dress Fancy Dress Costume Festivities Inhabitant Little Boys Occupation Societies Summer Clothes Young Boy
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This engraving from the 1800s depicts a chimney sweeps boy dressed in a May Day costume. The young boy, adorned with ribbons and vibrant colors, stands as a symbol of celebration and tradition amidst the backdrop of London's bustling streets. May Day was an occasion for chimney sweepers to parade and dance in their ludicrous costumes, bringing joy to the city on this special day. This image captures the essence of that festive spirit, showcasing the child laborer transformed into a beacon of merriment. The hand-colored copperplate engraving by William Alexander beautifully portrays this scene from J-B. Eyries' book "L'Angleterre ou Costumes, Moeurs et Usages des Anglais" providing us with insight into English customs during this era. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this print also serves as a poignant reminder of societal norms and professions prevalent at that time. Chimney sweeping was not only an arduous job but also one associated with poverty and exploitation. As we gaze upon this artwork today, we are transported back to 19th-century England where traditions intertwined with social realities. It is through such historical images that we gain a deeper understanding of our past while appreciating how far society has progressed since then. This photograph print invites us to reflect on both the beauty and complexity inherent in cultural practices throughout history—a testament to human resilience and evolution over time.
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