Collections record Beta

Box

1919-04-16

Rectangular cardboard box covered in a light brown paper painted to resemble wood. Box lid has a black, textured border framing a print. The print features a tall man in military uniform with a sword standing with a larger man in a top hat, with a table between them holding a scale and coin stacks. The larger man is slipping a stack of gold coins into his coat pocket. Behind them to the left is a woman dropping coins into a bag with four men pressed close around her, and to the right is a boat with anchor and plaque reading "L'AMERICAIN." At the bottom, the print reads "QUI PAYE SES DETTES S'ENRICHIT" (he that pays his debts enriches himself). On the bottom of the lid is a second print, showing a farm scene with a man leading a mule and another man following behind. Below the print at center is the text "PETITE FERME"; at bottom-left "P. G. DELT 1838"; and at the bottom-right "LITH DE LEGE A BORDEAUX."

The box was found in the attic of the donor's aunt. It is unclear whether the box was made in France or whether French prints were added to it in America.

The print on the lid was originally published in the French paper La Caricature in May, 1835. The print represents the French repayment of a debt owed to America. In an 1831 treaty, France agreed to pay America for damages inflicted on American shipping vessels during the Napoleonic Wars. The tall man holding the sword represents Andrew Jackson, then in his first terms as president.

1830-1850

Height 4.125", Width 7.625", Length 12.375"

• cardboard
• paper