Edward Williams Clay

Edward Williams Clay (April 17, 1799 – December 31, 1857[1]) was an American artist, illustrator and political cartoonist.[2] He created the notoriously racist collection of lithographs titled Life in Philadelphia.[3][4] He was also a notable comic strip pioneer.[5]

Edward Williams Clay
Life in Philadelphia (1829), plate 11
Born(1799-04-17)April 17, 1799
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedDecember 31, 1857(1857-12-31) (aged 58)
New York City, New York, U.S.
Resting placeChrist Church Burial Ground
NationalityAmerican
Known forpainting
Illustration
Printmaking
Notable workLife in Philadelphia

Early life

In 1799, Edward Williams Clay was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His parents were Robert Clay and Eliza Williams. Robert Clay was a sea captain.[1] He attended law school and as of 1825 was a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association.[2] He started working as an engraver while in law school.[1] He quit his work in law and became a full-time artist.[2]

Career

From around 1825 until 1828 he studied art in Europe.[1] Starting in 1828 until circa 1830 he drew and published Life in Philadelphia,[3] which today, is seen as a "pointedly racist" depiction of early African American life in Philadelphia.[4] Starting in 1831, he focused on political cartoons. That year, he created the work "The Rats Leaving a Falling House," about Andrew Jackson.[1] In 1837, Clay relocated to New York City.[2] He created illustrations and art for books, magazines, and sheet music.[1]

Death and legacy

While still living in New York, his eyesight started to deteriorate, and he stopping working as an artist. He moved to Delaware and served as Clerk of the Court of Chancery. He also worked as Clerk of the Orphan's Court until 1856. He died in New York City in 1857 of tuberculosis. He is buried in Philadelphia at Christ Church Burial Ground.[1]

Racial cartoons
  • Life in Philadelphia (1829), plate 9
    Life in Philadelphia (1829), plate 9
  • Life in Philadelphia (1829), plate 12
    Life in Philadelphia (1829), plate 12
  • "Mr. T. Rice as the Original Jim Crow" (c.1832)
    "Mr. T. Rice as the Original Jim Crow" (c.1832)

Political cartoons
  • "The Rats Leaving a Falling House" (1831)
    "The Rats Leaving a Falling House" (1831)
  • "President Jackson Destroying the Second Bank of the United States" (1833)
    "President Jackson Destroying the Second Bank of the United States" (1833)
  • "The Times" (1837)
    "The Times" (1837)
  • "America" (1841)
    "America" (1841)[6]

References
  1. "Clay, E. W. (Edward W.)". Digital Collections. The Library Company of Philadelphia. Archived from the original on 3 January 2014. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
  2. "Biography for Edward Clay". Edward Williams Clay (1799 - 1857). AskArt. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
  3. "Road to Philadelphy". The Library Company of Philadelphia. World Digital Library. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
  4. "Edward W. Clay and "Life in Philadelphia"". William L. Clements Library. University of Michigan. Archived from the original on 3 January 2014. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
  5. "Edward Williams Clay". lambiek.net. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
  6. "America / E.W.C." Prints & Photographs Online Catalog. Library of Congress. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
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