Mr. Johnson as Crack
ca. 1834-1837
Medium
Graphic Arts-Print
Classification
Graphic Arts-Print
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase
Accession Number
1984.8
Tags
Art Historical Context
Behold *Mr. Johnson as Crack*, a lively graphic arts print by David Claypoole Johnston, created around 1834-1837. Johnston, a pioneering American caricaturist and illustrator Philadelphia, was renowned for his sharp wit and detailed etchings that captured the bustling social scene of the early 19th century. portrait depicts the performer Mr. Johnson in the theatrical role of "Crack likely a flamboyant character from the popular stage entertainments of the Jacksonian era, when theater was a vibrant form public amusement blending comedy, satire, and spectacle. Printed works like this one were r...
About the Artist
David Claypoole Johnston · 1799–1865
American, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1799–1865 Dorchester, Massachusetts