Details
Title: Harper's Weekly March 12, 1870 Winslow Homer 15th Amendment Adoption White House State Dinner Dr Livingstone
About This Piece of History 🕰️
This March 12, 1870, edition of Harper’s Weekly is a monumental issue, capturing one of the most significant legal and social turning points in American history: the adoption of the 15th Amendment. Beyond its political weight, the issue is bookended by artistic mastery, featuring a rare Winslow Homer cover and a sharp Thomas Nast commentary on the back page. It provides a vivid look at New York City life, global exploration, and the inner workings of the Grant administration. 📜✨
Featured Highlights in This Issue:
🎨 Winslow Homer Front Page: The issue opens with a striking full-page illustration by the legendary Winslow Homer entitled "Tenth Commandment." Homer’s work for Harper's is highly coveted by art collectors, and this cover is a premier example of his ability to blend social observation with fine art.
🗳️ The 15th Amendment Adopted: This issue contains the historic announcement and text of the Fifteenth Amendment, guaranteeing that the right to vote shall not be denied "on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude." The back page features a famous Thomas Nast political cartoon celebrating the victory, titled "XVth Amendment—'Shoo Fly, don't Bodder me!'"
🏛️ White House & Presidency: A fascinating half-page illustration titled "A State Dinner at the White House." This provides a rare, contemporary look at the social prestige and etiquette of the Ulysses S. Grant presidency.
🏙️ New York City Life - Broadway: This issue features deep coverage of Manhattan's bustling main artery:
"Crossing Broadway": A magnificent full-page illustration capturing the chaos and energy of 19th-century street traffic.
"Under Broadway": An article featuring three illustrations documenting the early engineering and subterranean life of the city.
🌍 Dr. Livingstone’s Exploration: Includes a half-page portrait of Dr. Livingstone, the African Traveler, and a 1/4 page map of "Doctor Livingstone's Route." This is a cornerstone piece for collectors of 19th-century exploration and African history.
🇫🇷 Paris Troubles: A dramatic illustration of the "Attack on the Barricades at Belleville," documenting the civil unrest in France just months before the fall of the Empire.
⛪ St. Peter’s & The Vatican: A full-page illustration of "The Ecumenical Council—Reading the Decrees," continuing the paper's grand visual record of the historic Catholic gathering in Rome.
Detailed Condition & Transparency 🔍
Issue Format: This is the complete 16-page issue from March 12, 1870.
Detailed Documentation: I have taken pictures of every single page of this issue. You can personally inspect the Winslow Homer cover and the historic 15th Amendment cartoon on the back page to ensure they meet your standards.
Examination: Please look closely at the "Crossing Broadway" print; the level of detail in the carriages and pedestrians is spectacular.
Authenticity: This is a guaranteed original 1870 printing.
Questions? I am a dedicated steward of these historical documents. If you have a question about the 15th Amendment article or a specific print, please reach out! ✉️📸
Why It’s a Must-Have 🥂
Winslow Homer & Art Collectors: Any issue featuring a full-page Homer illustration is a high-value addition to an American art portfolio.
Black History & Civil Rights Scholars: This is a definitive primary source documenting the legal enfranchisement of Black Americans—one of the most important issues in the Harper's archive.
New York City Historians: The Broadway features, both above and below ground, are spectacular records of Manhattan’s development.
Custom Framing Available: I offer custom framing for anything purchased in my shop. If you would like the Winslow Homer cover or the 15th Amendment cartoon professionally framed for your library or office, please message me for details! 🏛️
Shipping & Preservation 📦✈️
Your piece of history is handled with the utmost care. I use acid-free cellophane and ship the issue flat-packed with stiff reinforcement to ensure it arrives exactly as shown in the photographs. Your order is sent with tracking for your peace of mind. 🚚💨
Tags (SEO) 🏷️
1870 Harpers Weekly, Winslow Homer Art, 15th Amendment History, Black Suffrage 1870, Thomas Nast Cartoon, Dr Livingstone Africa, White House State Dinner, Broadway NYC History, Ulysses S Grant Era, Antique Wood Engraving.