Edward Williams Clay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Williams Clay
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Life in Philadelphia (1829), plate 11
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| Born | April 17, 1799 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Died | December 31, 1857 (aged 58) New York City, New York, U.S.
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| Resting place | Christ Church Burial Ground |
| Nationality | American |
| Known for | painting Illustration Printmaking |
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Notable work
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Life in Philadelphia |
Edward Williams Clay (born April 17, 1799 – died December 31, 1857) was an American artist. He was known for his illustrations and political cartoons. He also helped create early comic strips. One of his most famous works was a series of pictures called Life in Philadelphia. These pictures showed African American life in Philadelphia in a way that is now seen as very unfair and racist.
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Edward Clay's Early Life and Education
Edward Williams Clay was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1799. His parents were Robert Clay and Eliza Williams. His father, Robert Clay, was a sea captain.
Edward went to law school and became a lawyer in 1825. While studying law, he also started working as an engraver. An engraver creates pictures by carving designs onto a surface. Eventually, he decided to leave his law career. He chose to become a full-time artist instead.
Edward Clay's Artistic Career
From about 1825 to 1828, Edward Clay traveled and studied art in Europe. When he returned, he began drawing and publishing his famous series, Life in Philadelphia. He worked on this series from 1828 to about 1830.
Life in Philadelphia Series
The Life in Philadelphia series was a collection of pictures called lithographs. These pictures showed scenes of early African American life in Philadelphia. Today, these images are seen as very unfair and racist. They showed Black people in a way that made fun of them and spread harmful ideas.
Focus on Political Cartoons
Starting in 1831, Clay began to focus more on political cartoons. These are drawings that make a point about politics or current events, often using humor or satire. That year, he created a famous cartoon called "The Rats Leaving a Falling House." This cartoon was about Andrew Jackson, who was the President at the time.
In 1837, Clay moved to New York City. There, he continued to create illustrations for books, magazines, and sheet music.
Later Life and Legacy
While living in New York, Edward Clay's eyesight began to get worse. Because of this, he had to stop working as an artist. He then moved to Delaware. In Delaware, he worked as a clerk for the Court of Chancery and the Orphan's Court until 1856.
Edward Williams Clay died in New York City in 1857. He passed away from a serious lung disease called tuberculosis. He is buried in Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia.
His work, especially Life in Philadelphia, is an important part of American art history. It shows how art was used to spread ideas, both good and bad, during his time.
Images for kids
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Life in Philadelphia (1829), plate 12
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"The Rats Leaving a Falling House" (1831)
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"President Jackson Destroying the Second Bank of the United States" (1833)
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"The Times" (1837)
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"America" (1841)
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