BLACKFACE MINSTREL THEATER POSTER LEWIS ERNEST 712

Everyone who is a student of the minstrel phenomena in the 19th & 20th centuries should have this poster in their collection.

Strobridge Litho. Co. created the lithograph on which this print is based.

This poster and the information contained in this description are presented in an historical context. They are meant to remind us of the way thing were so we can better understand how things might be better. Minstrel shows were huge at the turn of the century. Audiences at these shows were mostly working class rowdies who would stop the show if it was bad or would demand multiple repeats if they like it. As a result, the acts and actors became increasingly outrageous.

The blackface minstrel show was begun in the 1830’s and by the 1890’s was a major phenomenon in the world of entertainment. Much of the music of the era was written for minstrel shows—including the songs of Stephen Foster. It was stereotyping of the worst kind. White actors, dressed as African-Americans acted and sang to audiences, many of who knew little about African-American culture. The characters evolved to the point where most of them were lazy, shiftless and dumb. This helped to create an image of African-Americans that has created immense problems. Some believe that the blackface minstrel show was a forerunner of what happened in the 1950’s & 60’s when white musicians co-opted the music of African-American blues musicians and in the process created rock-n-roll. For better or worse—it is important that this aspect of American pop culture be examined.

PAPER QUALITY: This new print is on a highest quality, acid-free, 100-pound glossy premium text paper that allows for maximum color brilliance and fidelity for older images. For an expanded explanation of our Paper Quality, go to our FAQ by Clicking Here.

Image Size: 14.5 inches wide by 10.5 inches high. For an expanded explanation of Image Size, go to our FAQ by Clicking Here.

Paper Size: 17 inches wide by 11 inches high. This allows for a small border around the image for matting and framing. For an expanded explanation of Paper Size, go to our FAQ by Clicking Here.

For expanded answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Click Here.

Helpful Hints for searching our listings: At the end of each of our Item Titles is a one-to-four digit number, or letter-number combo, that serves as our Inventory Code. If you see two or more of our listings with different words in the Item Title, but the same Inventory Code at the end, they are exactly the same item.

Click Here for all of our Minstrel Posters, Prints, Pictures and Vintage Ads.

Click Here for all of our Theater Posters, Prints, Pictures and Vintage Ads.

Click Here for all of our Black Americana Posters, Prints, Pictures and Vintage Ads.

To see exactly how we Package & Ship your items, go to our FAQ by Clicking Here.

For the latest updates on New Products, Sales and Special Offers, please subscribe to our Newsletter by Clicking Here!

©2003-2009 All copy and digitally enhanced images and prints copyright held by the2funadguyz. Reproduction by any means is strictly forbidden. All Rights Reserved.