Auctioneer & Lawyer, Auctioneer Knocking Down a Bad Lot (from "King's Columbian Jester") 1823 - 1824

This hand-colored print, "Auctioneer & Lawyer, Auctioneer Knocking Down a Bad Lot," was published in New York by William C. Borradaile sometime in the 19th century. Its materiality speaks volumes about the era’s printmaking processes. Produced using engraving, a technique where lines are incised into a metal plate, the image is then inked and printed, resulting in the fine details and sharp lines we see here. The added color, applied by hand, enlivens the scene, though this was also a labor-intensive process. This print was likely produced as a form of social commentary, intended for mass consumption. It satirizes the world of commerce, specifically the auction business, and depicts the relationship between auctioneers and lawyers, suggesting perhaps a critique of their dealings and ethics. We might consider the cultural context in which this print was made and distributed; it was likely made available at a relatively low price. By looking at the materials, the mode of production, and the social implications, we gain a far richer understanding of the print’s original meaning and impact.