Jim Crow, the American Mountebank performing at the Grand Theatre. London: S.W. Fores, ca 1830s. 10 x 13 1/2 in. lithograph (light soiling, verso with residue near corners, slightly trimmed along top edge). The lithograph depicts Thomas Rice wearing the costume of his character "Jim Crow," with his right arm raised and skipping a small dance step. The depiction is the same as that featured on a songsheet showing Rice as he performed at the Surrey Theatre in Southwark ca 1836-1837. British figures are shown in the background watching Rice perform, including the subject at far left who is believed to be John Scott, 1st Earl of Eldon.

Considered the "father of American minstrelsy," Thomas Dartmouth "Daddy" Rice (1808-1860) began his career as a traveling actor, creating his signature act of Jim Crow in 1832. His performances were typically part of a variety show or included between acts in a play. Rice's act included the song and dance "Jump Jim Crow," which would later lend its name to the "Jim Crow Laws" used by southern legislatures at the end of the 19th century.

[With:] The Old Folks at Home, Song and Chorus. London: Davidson, Peter's Hill, Doctors' Commons, South of St. Paul's, n.d. 4pp., 9 3/4 x 13 1/2 in. sheet music. Disbound and including music only for "The Old Folks at Home" (toned, chips and repaired tears to edges). Sheet music featuring cover illustration of an African American male subject.