Print: "Charles S. Stratton, known as General Tom Thumb" by Charles Baugniet
Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
1844 (Date manufactured/created)
12.25 in H
X
9 in W
Lithograph print of Charles S. Stratton, better known as "General Tom Thumb," standing atop a desk and leaning on a book titled Doyle's Court Guide 1844. The props included in the portrait are intended to show Stratton's very small size, and some, like the book, may also convey other meanings. Theese props include a feather quill for writing, a sealing wax stamp, a pen and inkwell stand on top of a box for writing paper, a champagne bottle and glass, a hardboiled egg in a cup, and a spoon.
Stratton was between six and seven years old when the portrait was made, and stood less than two feet tall. He is shown wearing a three-piece suit that is identical to a gentleman's save for the size. He is wearing rings on two fingers and a watch chain is draped across his suit vest; a tie pin is affixed to his dark cravat. Charles Baugniet created this portrait during the early part of P. T. Barnum and Stratton's three-year tour of Europe. Their trip began in England, where Stratton quickly became famous after he was introduced to Queen Victoria, hence the inclusion of the book with the title reference to the royal court.
Baugniet was a well known artist from Brussels, Belgium, and was particularly respected for his portrait work. He spent much of his later life in London, which is almost certainly where he produced this portrait in 1844. His fine rendering was drawn on a lithograph stone from which prints were made; the number of prints made is unknown. His signature and the date can be seen along the edge of the desk. Charles Stratton signed the print in ink in the lower righthand corner. Unfortunately the print is in poor condition, showing evidence of water damage in the lower part, and aging of the paper. The print also seems to have been trimmed all around.
Charles S. Stratton (January 4, 1838 - July 15, 1883) was an entertainer who got his start with P. T. Barnum in the 1840s. Stratton's parents signed him with Barnum when the boy was barely five years old. The family went to live in New York City where Stratton performed at Barnum's American Museum, located on Broadway at Ann Street. The little boy took quickly to performing, and on tours he entertained audiences worldwide, including royalty. Stratton's performances brought him renown, becoming one of the biggest celebrities at the time, and considerable wealth. In 1863, Stratton married fellow performer and little person M. Lavinia Warren; the two had a happy marriage and continued touring and performing. On July 15,1883, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Stratton was between six and seven years old when the portrait was made, and stood less than two feet tall. He is shown wearing a three-piece suit that is identical to a gentleman's save for the size. He is wearing rings on two fingers and a watch chain is draped across his suit vest; a tie pin is affixed to his dark cravat. Charles Baugniet created this portrait during the early part of P. T. Barnum and Stratton's three-year tour of Europe. Their trip began in England, where Stratton quickly became famous after he was introduced to Queen Victoria, hence the inclusion of the book with the title reference to the royal court.
Baugniet was a well known artist from Brussels, Belgium, and was particularly respected for his portrait work. He spent much of his later life in London, which is almost certainly where he produced this portrait in 1844. His fine rendering was drawn on a lithograph stone from which prints were made; the number of prints made is unknown. His signature and the date can be seen along the edge of the desk. Charles Stratton signed the print in ink in the lower righthand corner. Unfortunately the print is in poor condition, showing evidence of water damage in the lower part, and aging of the paper. The print also seems to have been trimmed all around.
Charles S. Stratton (January 4, 1838 - July 15, 1883) was an entertainer who got his start with P. T. Barnum in the 1840s. Stratton's parents signed him with Barnum when the boy was barely five years old. The family went to live in New York City where Stratton performed at Barnum's American Museum, located on Broadway at Ann Street. The little boy took quickly to performing, and on tours he entertained audiences worldwide, including royalty. Stratton's performances brought him renown, becoming one of the biggest celebrities at the time, and considerable wealth. In 1863, Stratton married fellow performer and little person M. Lavinia Warren; the two had a happy marriage and continued touring and performing. On July 15,1883, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
T 2016.046.001