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An amalgamation polka, 1845. Creator: Edward Williams Clay
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An amalgamation polka, 1845. Creator: Edward Williams Clay
An amalgamation polka, 1845
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 36272785
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Amusement Ball Enjoying Enjoyment Ethnicity Evening Dress Lithographic Mixed Race Group New York Public Library Night Life Nightlife Nypl Polka Public Library Wallach Division Picture Collection Afro American Amalgamation Lithotint
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EDITORS COMMENTS
An Amalgamation Polka," created by Edward Williams Clay in 1845, is a captivating lithograph that showcases an interracial social scene of the 19th century in America. The image, held in the Wallach Division Picture Collection of the New York Public Library, offers a fascinating commentary on the evolving social dynamics and ethnicities in the United States during this period. The lithograph depicts a lively and diverse group of men and women, both black and white, engaged in an amalgamation polka, a popular dance of the time. The men, dressed in formal attire, including waistcoats and top hats, are partnered with women in elegant evening gowns. The mixed-race couples dance together, blurring the lines of racial distinctions and highlighting the enjoyment and camaraderie of the evening. The clothing and apparel in this historic print provide a glimpse into the fashion trends of the 1840s. The women's dresses, with their full skirts and high collars, are reminiscent of the Victorian era, while the men's clothing, with its tailored suits and accessories, reflect the refined elegance of the time. The location of the scene is not explicitly stated, but the image suggests a grand ballroom or social hall, perhaps in a large city like New York. The lithograph's title, "An Amalgamation Polka," hints at the controversial and complex racial dynamics of the time, as the term "amalgamation" referred to the blending of races, a concept that was both celebrated and condemned in American society. Overall, this print by Edward Williams Clay offers a unique and intriguing glimpse into the social and cultural history of the United States in the 19th century, showcasing the diversity, fashion, and enjoyment of the time.
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