Domestic Furnishings

Tiffany Floor Lamp

Washboards, armchairs, lamps, and pots and pans may not seem to be museum pieces. But they are invaluable evidence of how most people lived day to day, last week or three centuries ago. The Museum's collections of domestic furnishings comprise more than 40,000 artifacts from American households. Large and small, they include four houses, roughly 800 pieces of furniture, fireplace equipment, spinning wheels, ceramics and glass, family portraits, and much more.

The Arthur and Edna Greenwood Collection contains more than 2,000 objects from New England households from colonial times to mid-1800s. From kitchens of the past, the collections hold some 3,300 artifacts, ranging from refrigerators to spatulas. The lighting devices alone number roughly 3,000 lamps, candleholders, and lanterns.

Topic: Wild Animals

Bos Americanus, Gmel.

This hand-colored lithograph was produced for “Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America,” the Imperial folio edition, published between 1845 and 1848. The work was a field study of North American mammals.
Description (Brief)
This hand-colored lithograph was produced for “Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America,” the Imperial folio edition, published between 1845 and 1848. The work was a field study of North American mammals. It included 150 stone lithographs produced in three volumes of 50 prints per volume. The lithographs were based on watercolor drawings by John James Audubon and after 1846, son John Woodhouse Audubon, who completed the series due to the elder Audubon’s failing eyesight and declining health. Another son, Victor Gifford Audubon, assisted with the drawings backgrounds. The lithographs were printed on non-watermarked heavy white paper and coloring was applied by hand before the prints were bound. Reverend John Bachman was a naturalist of note, as well as John James Audubon’s friend and father of both daughters-in-law, so he provided the accompanying letterpress narrative. It made the production truly a family affair. The slightly later Octavo edition contained 155 prints of smaller size.
This unbound lithographic plate depicts a hand-colored image of three buffalo, a male, female, and young buffalo, in rugged terrain. A herd grazes in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1845
artist; publisher
Audubon, John James
printer
Bowen, John T.
ID Number
DL.60.2755
catalog number
60.2755
accession number
228146

The Life & Age of Man by James Baille

This colored print depicts a male from infancy to old age in decade-long spans. This was a popular and recurring theme of genteel society during the 19th Century.
Description
This colored print depicts a male from infancy to old age in decade-long spans. This was a popular and recurring theme of genteel society during the 19th Century. The figures are shown on ascending steps up to age 50 and then descending, with age 100 being the lowest to the right. Each image portrays a well-dressed youth or man in appropriate attire for his position in society (i.e., gentleman, soldier, elder). Verses beneath each figure associate a depicted animal with that stage of life. A small vignette of two people standing near a monument in a cemetery is in the center foreground.
This print was produced by James S. Baillie, who was active in New York from 1838 to 1855. James Baillie started as a framer in 1838, and then became an artist and lithographer in 1843 or 1844. He discovered how to color lithographs while working as an independent contractor for Currier & Ives in the mid 1840s. He was a prolific lithographer and colorist for Currier & Ives, and his prints were extremely popular with a wide distribution. James Baillie spent his later years concentrating on painting instead of lithography.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1847
distributors
Sowle & Shaw
maker
Baillie, James S.
ID Number
DL.60.2935
catalog number
60.2935
accession number
228146

Sunday Sports

Colored print of a forest scene. Two hunters at right shoot at running deer at left, but, instead, hit another hunter who is standing between them and the deer. A dog strains at a leash that is tied to a tree.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Colored print of a forest scene. Two hunters at right shoot at running deer at left, but, instead, hit another hunter who is standing between them and the deer. A dog strains at a leash that is tied to a tree.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1874
maker
Schile, Henry
ID Number
DL.60.2471
catalog number
60.2471
accession number
228146

The Fox Fanciers

Colored print of a fox confronted by three small dogs (terriers).Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Colored print of a fox confronted by three small dogs (terriers).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1868
maker
Hart, Charles
publisher
Kelly, Thomas
ID Number
DL.60.2800
catalog number
60.2800
accession number
228146

Tigers

Colored print of two tigers on a grassy hill. One is lying on its side, the other is standing.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Colored print of two tigers on a grassy hill. One is lying on its side, the other is standing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1840
artist
Maverick, Octavia
ID Number
DL.60.2342
catalog number
60.2342
accession number
228146

The Stag Outrun

Colored print of a stag being confronted by two dogs. A hunter takes aim from a rock in the background.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Colored print of a stag being confronted by two dogs. A hunter takes aim from a rock in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
n.d.
maker
Kimmel and Forster
Bischof
ID Number
DL.60.2783
catalog number
60.2783
accession number
228146

Mustela Martes, Linn.

This hand-colored lithograph was produced for “Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America,” the Imperial folio edition, published between 1845 and 1848. The work was a field study of North American mammals.
Description (Brief)
This hand-colored lithograph was produced for “Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America,” the Imperial folio edition, published between 1845 and 1848. The work was a field study of North American mammals. It included 150 stone lithographs produced in three volumes of 50 prints per volume. The lithographs were based on watercolor drawings by John James Audubon and after 1846, son John Woodhouse Audubon, who completed the series due to the elder Audubon’s failing eyesight and declining health. Another son, Victor Gifford Audubon, assisted with the drawings backgrounds. The lithographs were printed on non-watermarked heavy white paper and coloring was applied by hand before the prints were bound. Reverend John Bachman was a naturalist of note, as well as John James Audubon’s friend and father of both daughter-in-laws, so he provided the accompanying letterpress narrative. It made the production truly a family affair. The slightly later Octavo edition contained 155 prints of smaller size.
This unbound lithographic plate depicts a hand-colored image of two martins. One is lying in the grass beside a dead bird and the other is peering down from a boulder. They are in winter coats.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1848
printer
Bowen, John T.
artist
Audubon, John Woodhouse
publisher
Audubon, John James
ID Number
DL.60.2761
catalog number
60.2761
accession number
228146

The Fox-Hunter

Colored print of a hunter on horseback with a crop in his raised hand. In the foreground a pack of hounds attack a fox. Two verses of a poem appear in the bottom margin on either side of the title.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Colored print of a hunter on horseback with a crop in his raised hand. In the foreground a pack of hounds attack a fox. Two verses of a poem appear in the bottom margin on either side of the title.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1846
distributor
Needham, D.
Kelloggs & Thayer
maker
E.B. and E.C. Kellogg
ID Number
DL.60.2672
catalog number
60.2672
accession number
228146

The Fox-Hunter

Colored print of a hunter on horseback with a crop in his raised hand. In the foreground a pack of hounds attack a fox. Two verses of a poem appear in the bottom margin on either side of the title.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Colored print of a hunter on horseback with a crop in his raised hand. In the foreground a pack of hounds attack a fox. Two verses of a poem appear in the bottom margin on either side of the title.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1846
maker
Baillie, James S.
ID Number
DL.60.2670
catalog number
60.2670
accession number
228146

Chase Nº1

Colored print of seven men on horseback and a pack of hounds chasing prey, which is not shown. One man's horse has stumbled and fallen.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Colored print of seven men on horseback and a pack of hounds chasing prey, which is not shown. One man's horse has stumbled and fallen.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1838
maker
Robinson, Henry R.
ID Number
DL.60.2674
catalog number
60.2674
accession number
228146

Feles Concolor, Linn

This hand-colored lithograph was produced for “Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America,” the Imperial folio edition, published between 1845 and 1848. The work was a field study of North American mammals.
Description (Brief)
This hand-colored lithograph was produced for “Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America,” the Imperial folio edition, published between 1845 and 1848. The work was a field study of North American mammals. It included 150 stone lithographs produced in three volumes of 50 prints per volume. The lithographs were based on watercolor drawings by John James Audubon and after 1846, son John Woodhouse Audubon, who completed the series due to the elder Audubon’s failing eyesight and declining health. Another son, Victor Gifford Audubon, assisted with the drawings backgrounds. The lithographs were printed on non-watermarked heavy white paper and coloring was applied by hand before the prints were bound. Reverend John Bachman was a naturalist of note, as well as John James Audubon’s friend and father of both daughter-in-laws, so he provided the accompanying letterpress narrative. It made the production truly a family affair. The slightly later Octavo edition contained 155 prints of smaller size.
This unbound lithographic plate depicts a hand-colored image of a brown male cougar standing over his felled prey. Forested mountains in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1846
artist
Audubon, John Woodhouse
printer
Bowen, John T.
publisher
Audubon, John James
ID Number
DL.60.2736
catalog number
60.2736
accession number
228146

Lepus Aquaticus, Bach.

This hand-colored lithograph was produced for “Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America,” the Imperial folio edition, published between 1845 and 1848. The work was a field study of North American mammals.
Description (Brief)
This hand-colored lithograph was produced for “Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America,” the Imperial folio edition, published between 1845 and 1848. The work was a field study of North American mammals. It included 150 stone lithographs produced in three volumes of 50 prints per volume. The lithographs were based on watercolor drawings by John James Audubon and after 1846, son John Woodhouse Audubon, who completed the series due to the elder Audubon’s failing eyesight and declining health. Another son, Victor Gifford Audubon, assisted with the drawings backgrounds. The lithographs were printed on non-watermarked heavy white paper and coloring was applied by hand before the prints were bound. Reverend John Bachman was a naturalist of note, as well as John James Audubon’s friend and father of both daughter-in-laws, so he provided the accompanying letterpress narrative. It made the production truly a family affair. The slightly later Octavo edition contained 155 prints of smaller size.
This unbound lithographic plate depicts a hand-colored image of a brown hare with white underside and black markings, crouching beside a body of water.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1844
artist; publisher
Audubon, John James
printer
Bowen, John T.
ID Number
DL.60.2758
catalog number
60.2758
accession number
228146

Great Bend of Arkansaw River

Color print of an Indian camp on a river bank depicting tepees under trees. Indians are fishing, smoking a pipe and working on a hide stretched on a frame.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Color print of an Indian camp on a river bank depicting tepees under trees. Indians are fishing, smoking a pipe and working on a hide stretched on a frame.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
n.d.
maker
Vincent Brooks Day and Son
ID Number
DL.60.3520
catalog number
60.3520

Missionary Society Certificate by Nathaniel Currier

This black and white print is of a life membership to a Mr. Philip J.A. Harper issued by the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Description
This black and white print is of a life membership to a Mr. Philip J.A. Harper issued by the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Society, begun in 1820 and headquartered in New York City, was among the earliest organizations that focused on mission within and outside the United States. It initially worked to convert Native Americans and slaves before extending its activities to inhabitants of West Africa and elsewhere overseas.
A vignette depicting missionary activity appears above the text that was inspired by the Society’s proselytizing during the 19th Century. On the right side is a depiction of Native Americans and Africans who were “saved” due to the preaching of a missionary. The left side shows the damnation that comes to those who fail to hear God’s word. Above the scene floats a triumphant angel sent by God who is blowing a trumpet, Bible in hand.
This print was produced by Nathaniel Currier (1813-1888). Currier was the founder of the company that eventually became the Currier & Ives lithography firm. At the age of fifteen Currier apprenticed with the Pendleton lithography firm in New York City. Five years later he moved to Philadelphia to work with the lithographer M.E.D. Brown (1810-1896). After a year Currier moved back to New York, where he intended on going into business with one of the Pendleton brothers. Instead he formed a partnership in 1834 with Adam Stodart who was in the sheet music business. Within a year he opened his own lithography company on Wall Street and then moved to Nassau and Spruce. In 1852 a bookkeeper named James Merritt Ives joined the firm. He married Charles Currier’s sister-in-law and brought to the firm a critical eye and business acumen. In five years he had become a partner. Currier & Ives would become arguably the most successful and prodigious lithography firm of the 19th century. Although especially well known for prints celebrating American landscapes and pastimes like sailing and ice skating, Currier & Ives also produced lithographs that featured current events, social issues and political controversies
Location
Currently on loan
Date made
1848
issuer
Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church
maker
Currier, Nathaniel
ID Number
DL.60.2929
catalog number
60.2929
accession number
228146

Past & Present of California

Black and white print of two circlular views, one depicting passengers disemarking from a sailing vessel, and the other a steamship with paseengers coming and going on a gangplank.
Description (Brief)
Black and white print of two circlular views, one depicting passengers disemarking from a sailing vessel, and the other a steamship with paseengers coming and going on a gangplank. These views are surrounded by smaller ones of men working the mines and plowing a field, a stagecoach, a steamship, and a public school. An elephant is at the center top of the image. This is an unused folded letter sheet with the image on its first page.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
n.d.
maker
Britton & Rey
ID Number
DL.60.3809
catalog number
60.3809

High Places in Government Like Steep Rocks only Accessible to Eagles and Reptiles

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1836-04
depicted
Washington, George
Van Buren, Martin
Jackson, Andrew
Harrison, William Henry
maker
Robinson, Henry R.
ID Number
DL.60.3336
catalog number
60.3336

Lassoing Wild Horses.

Color print of an Indian on a black horse lassoing a white horse in a herd of wild horses.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Color print of an Indian on a black horse lassoing a white horse in a herd of wild horses.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1872
maker
Rice, W. W.
Darley, Felix Octavius Carr
ID Number
DL.60.3524
catalog number
60.3524

Sunday Sports

Colored print of three hunters in the foreground suffering comic mishaps: one skins his knee, one falls over a log while chasing his dog, and the third is bitten in the seat of his pants by a fox he is carrying on a pole over his shoulder.
Description (Brief)
Colored print of three hunters in the foreground suffering comic mishaps: one skins his knee, one falls over a log while chasing his dog, and the third is bitten in the seat of his pants by a fox he is carrying on a pole over his shoulder. Eight hunters in background drink and converse.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1874
maker
Schile, Henry
ID Number
DL.60.2807
catalog number
60.2807
accession number
228146

Catching Rabbits

Black and white print of two boys, Henry Luke Rowland (standing) and Lewis Smith Davis (kneeling) in a forest clearing. One boy holds up a rabbit while the other resets a home-made wooden trap.
Description (Brief)
Black and white print of two boys, Henry Luke Rowland (standing) and Lewis Smith Davis (kneeling) in a forest clearing. One boy holds up a rabbit while the other resets a home-made wooden trap. Their clothes, though upper class in origin, are torn and patched and include high boots, a fur cap, vest, and fitted coat.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
depicted
Rowland, Henry Luke
Davis, Luke Smith
maker
Goupil and Company
artist
Mount, William Sidney
ID Number
DL.60.2438
catalog number
60.2438
accession number
228146

A Hunt Above The Timber Line

This print is one of fifteen chromolithographs that were included in the 1889-1890 folio "Sport or Fishing and Shooting" published by Bradlee Whidden of Boston and edited by A.C. Gould.
Description (Brief)
This print is one of fifteen chromolithographs that were included in the 1889-1890 folio "Sport or Fishing and Shooting" published by Bradlee Whidden of Boston and edited by A.C. Gould. These prints are based on watercolors that were commissioned for the publication, and illustrated by prominent American artists. Each folio illustration was accompanied by a single leaf of descriptive text followed by an account of the depicted sporting scene. The publication was advertised as having been reviewed for accuracy by a renowned group of anglers and hunters prior to printing.
This print was originally titled and numbered on the text page as 13. A hunt above the timber line [Big-horn]. Edward Knobel. Depicted are four big horn sheep running across boulders in the foreground. A fifth sheep falls, shot by one of two hunters visible in the left background.
The artist was Edward Knobel (1839-1908), noted for his illustrations of plants and animals.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890
publisher; copywriter
Bradlee Whidden
lithographer
Forbes Lithograph Manufacturing Company
artist
Knobel, Edward
ID Number
DL.60.2730
catalog number
60.2730
accession number
228146

Red Deer Shooting

Colored print of a hunter and his dog. The hunter is dressed in fitted red coat with top hat on ground beside him. He is shooting at deer from behind a rock while a man on horseback watches from the right.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Colored print of a hunter and his dog. The hunter is dressed in fitted red coat with top hat on ground beside him. He is shooting at deer from behind a rock while a man on horseback watches from the right.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1856-1864
maker
Bufford, John Henry
ID Number
DL.60.2680
catalog number
60.2680
accession number
228146

Red Fox

Colored print of a fox eating two chickens. Background shows a wooded grassy riverbank, an outbuilding and a fence.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Colored print of a fox eating two chickens. Background shows a wooded grassy riverbank, an outbuilding and a fence.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1830
maker
Childs & Inman
artist
Doughty, Thomas
Lehman, George
ID Number
DL.60.2700
catalog number
60.2700
accession number
228146

Sorex Palustris Rich

This hand-colored lithograph was produced for “Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America,” the Imperial folio edition, published between 1845 and 1848. The work was a field study of North American mammals.
Description (Brief)
This hand-colored lithograph was produced for “Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America,” the Imperial folio edition, published between 1845 and 1848. The work was a field study of North American mammals. It included 150 stone lithographs produced in three volumes of 50 prints per volume. The lithographs were based on watercolor drawings by John James Audubon and after 1846, son John Woodhouse Audubon, who completed the series due to the elder Audubon’s failing eyesight and declining health. Another son, Victor Gifford Audubon, assisted with the drawings backgrounds. The lithographs were printed on non-watermarked heavy white paper and coloring was applied by hand before the prints were bound. Reverend John Bachman was a naturalist of note, as well as John James Audubon’s friend and father of both daughter-in-laws, so he provided the accompanying letterpress narrative. It made the production truly a family affair. The slightly later Octavo edition contained 155 prints of smaller size.
This unbound lithographic plate depicts a hand-colored image of two shrews scampering across boulders toward a pond. Boulders are surrounded by wildflowers on the right and barren trees on the left.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1847
artist
Audubon, John Woodhouse
printer
Bowen, John T.
publisher
Audubon, John James
ID Number
DL.60.2740
catalog number
60.2740
accession number
228146

American Hunting Scene. Life in the Woods.

Colored print of three hunters and a dog gathered around a dead stag and various game birds in the foreground. A fourth hunter and his dog emerge from the trees along a body of water in the background.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Colored print of three hunters and a dog gathered around a dead stag and various game birds in the foreground. A fourth hunter and his dog emerge from the trees along a body of water in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1868
printer
Hart, Charles
publisher
Kelly, Thomas
ID Number
DL.60.2780
catalog number
60.2780
accession number
228146

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