Keokuk Babies
SOLD March 2005 |
Huge advertising photomontage for Anschutz Studio, Keokuk, Iowa ca. 1910. Brown-toned gelatin-silver print combining photographs of a bushel basket and some 70 portraits of cute children engaged in various childish activities. With added text in overpainting "A Basket Full of Keokuk Babies / Anschutz Studio / 4th Street bet. Main & Blondeau / Keokuk / You Get Full Measure and Your Money's Worth Every Time". Print size 19.5 x 16 inches (50x40 cm).
One can see how this clever advertisement would appeal to the frugal local farming community. No tricks at Anschutz Studio! There, customers receive a full basket (of corn) for their hard-earned money.
Anschutz is known for photographs of a nearby dam project on the Mississippi
Some light soiling, and a crease in the upper left corner which has chipped the paint in the word "Full". The edges have a bit of chipping in about 1/8 inch on all sides (the area which would be covered by framing). The print is slightly curved and mounted to a period backing board that has browning and stains.