Hampton

c 1843
By Sophie Latimer Hoffman

This is one of two delightful drawings depicting children at large parties with dancing done by Sophie Latimer Hoffman, a Baltimore school friend of Eliza "Didy" Ridgely (1828-1894). She sent them to Didy in 1843 along with another satirical drawing poking fun at their school mistress. Children’s costumes of that day are faithfully rendered. Also depicted are African American servants who are passing trays of food and playing music.

Watercolor and ink on paper. H 23.2, W 33.3 cm
Hampton National Historic Site, HAMP 19876