Gold Fish (Francis M. Drexel), from The Comic Natural History of the Human Race 1851

Henry Louis Stephens created this lithograph titled "Gold Fish (Francis M. Drexel)" as part of "The Comic Natural History of the Human Race". Done in the mid-19th century, this print reflects a period of rapid social and economic change, particularly for the elite. Stephens uses satire to comment on figures like Francis M. Drexel, portraying him as a goldfish, a creature often associated with wealth due to its ornamental value. The image merges human and animal characteristics, raising questions about identity and class. The man-fish hybrid is a commentary on how individuals are perceived in society. The artwork both ridicules and acknowledges Drexel's status, using humor to discuss the serious topic of wealth and its influence on identity. Stephens’s critique can be viewed as an early form of social commentary, using art to challenge and reflect upon the values of his time. This piece invites us to consider how we assign value and identity, and how these constructs shape our perceptions of ourselves and others.