"You're a Sittin' on a Hornet's Nest, Ma'am"

PrinterPrinted by E.B. & E.C. Kellogg American, 1840 - 1867

PublisherPublished by E.B. & E.C. Kellogg American, 1840 - 1867

Date1857-1867

MediumLithography; printer's ink and watercolor on wove paper

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 8 5/16 x 12 5/16in. (21.1 x 31.3cm)
Sheet (height x width): 9 7/8 x 13 7/8in. (25.1 x 35.2cm)

ClassificationsGraphics

Credit LineGift of Samuel St. John Morgan

DescriptionA man and a woman are seated on a grassy bank beside a stream or pond. The woman wears a dress with bell sleeves trimmed with ruching. She wears a bracelet around the cuff of the undersleeve on her right wrist. A broad-brimmed straw hat is tied with a ribbon bow beneath her chin. Two roses are tucked beneath the brim of her hat. Her left arm rests on the shoulder of the man. He holds her left hand in his. His elbows rest on an open book in her lap. He has a beard and mustache and wears a coat and trousers. A beaked cap and a glove are on the ground by the water's edge. A basket with a tablecloth or napkin in it is at the left. A boy and a small girl stand at the left. The boy wears a smock, breeches, and hose. He holds a bundle of straw in his right hand. With his left hand he points at the woman. The girl wears a short dress, a cap, and a short jacket or sweater. She holds a branch in her right hand. Insects, presumably hornets, fly around the woman's head. A few additional insects are on the ground at the boy's feet. The bases of the trunks of large trees are visible in the background.

Object number1955.15.6

InscribedOn recto, lithographed title beneath image, "YOU'RE A SITTIN' ON A HORNET'S NEST, MA'AM"

On verso, lower right, in black ink, "Dwr 41". In pencil, accession number and "63980 [crossed out]".

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