Charity

Art Historical Context

Created in 1864 by artist and designer Freeman Gage Delamotte and printed by the renowned firm Day & Son, Ltd., of London, *Charity* exemplifies the vibrant possibilities of color lithography during the Victorian era. This medium allowed artists to produce richly hued images that could be widely distributed, bringing art into homes and public spaces far beyond the reach of original paintings. The print’s generous sheet size suggests it was intended as a decorative piece, perhaps for framing or inclusion in an album. The title points to an allegorical subject popular in the nineteenth century, when themes of moral virtue were often explored through scenes of everyday compassion. Given the tags noting both men and women, the composition likely presents figures engaged in acts of giving or care, reflecting the period’s social concerns around philanthropy and community support. Today, this work resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection of drawings and prints, acquired through the Elisha Whittelsey Fund. It offers modern viewers a window into how nineteenth-century printmakers combined technical innovation with moral storytelling to reach a growing middle-class audience.