1872 Diamond Fields South Africa Harper's Weekly July 20 Thomas Nast
$40.40
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This July 20, 1872, edition of Harper's Weekly is a fascinating snapshot of the Victorian era, contrasting the romanticized narratives of daily life with the gritty, exhilarating reality of the global scramble for resources. It is particularly notable for its documentation of the early days of the South African diamond rush.
Title: 1872 Diamond Fields South Africa Harper's Weekly July 20 Thomas Nast
📜 ABOUT THIS PIECE OF HISTORY 📜
📜 The Diamond Rush: This issue provides a crucial visual record of the Diamond Fields of South Africa at the very beginning of the boom. The centerfold, "At the Diggings," offers a rare glimpse into the chaotic, intense atmosphere of the mining camps, capturing the rugged pioneers, the primitive machinery, and the sheer scale of the endeavor that transformed global economics and geopolitics in the 19th century.
📜 Victorian Sentimentality & Political Satire: The issue perfectly encapsulates the dual nature of Harper's Weekly. One page offers the romantic, sentimental vignette "A Life Time in Four Kisses," while another provides a biting full-page political cartoon by Thomas Nast, showcasing his relentless pursuit of the "Liberal Republican" movement during the 1872 election.
🌟 FEATURED HIGHLIGHTS 🌟
💎 "The Diamond Fields of South Africa" (Double-Page Centerfold):
Titled "At the Diggings"—a sweeping, detailed panoramic view of the chaotic mining activity.
A quarter-page print provides additional context on the fields.
A premier item for Mining History, South African History, and Geological collectors.
🎨 Thomas Nast’s Political Assault:
A biting full-page political cartoon targeting the political opposition in the 1872 election.
💘 "A Life Time in Four Kisses" (Full-Page Vignette):
A sentimental, highly detailed Victorian print featuring four distinct scenes illustrating stages of romance.
A great piece for Victorian Genre Art collectors.
🔍 CONDITION & TRANSPARENCY 🔍
Completeness: This is the complete 16-page issue, including the original front page, the centerfold, and related text.
Authenticity: Guaranteed original woodblock printing from July 20, 1872, not a modern reproduction.
Condition Study: I take pictures of the entire sheet so you can study the condition. Note the crispness of the details in the mining centerfold and the fine lines in Nast's caricature.
🥂 WHY IT IS A MUST-HAVE 🥂
Mining & African History Collectors: These early, on-the-scene illustrations of the Kimberley diamond rush are incredibly rare and highly prized.
Thomas Nast Enthusiasts: A key piece for tracking Nast's political campaign against Horace Greeley in 1872.
Victorian Art Enthusiasts: The "Four Kisses" print is a charming example of the sentimental art popular in the 19th century.
Custom Framing: I offer professional framing for any item in my shop. The South African Diamond Fields centerfold or the Nast cartoon would make a museum-quality historical focal point!
📦 SHIPPING & PRESERVATION 📦
Safe Storage: Housed in an acid-free archival folder with a Mylar overlay to protect the 154-year-old newsprint.
Flat Shipping: Shipped with heavy-duty reinforcement to ensure the issue and its centerfold arrive safely.
Tracked: All orders include tracking for your peace of mind.
🏷️ TAGS (SEO) ٕ🏷️
1872 Harpers Weekly, Diamond Fields South Africa, Kimberly Diamond Rush, Thomas Nast Political Cartoon, Victorian Genre Art, Gilded Age Politics, 19th Century Mining History, July 20 1872.
1872 Diamond Fields South Africa Harper's Weekly July 20 Thomas Nast
$40.40