Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian. Libraries) Search this
Extent:
33 Items (Drawings (visual works); Works of art, 21.5 x 19.75 in.)
Container:
Item Art044
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
undated
Scope and Contents note:
A series of 33 satirical watercolor and gouache drawings and caricatures illustrating Dr. Livingstone's travels and explorations in Africa, his rescue by H.M. Stanley, etc. The drawings cover the period from about 1867 onwards when Livingstone was, amongst other things, trying to discover the source of the Nile. Livingstone is referred to as "The Doctor" and his two close assistants as "Mumbo" and "Jumbo". He discovers and ascends rivers, crosses mountains, encounters crocodiles, presents the hindquarters of an elephant to a native king's wife, dances at a party given in his honor, enters a cave full of "antediluvian" bones, intervenes in a battle between two tribes with his pistol and umbrella, etc. Mumbo falls into a blazing crater and Jumbo is eaten by lions. There are several allusions to the complacency of the Royal Geographical Society. It is a matter of debate whether these drawings are of British or American origin. The title is written on the American flag which is being hoisted by H.M. Stanley and two natives. Livingstone stands on the right. Another drawing depicts H.M. Stanley, who was sent by the New York Herald to find Livingstone, coming to the "Doctor's" rescue seated on the back of an eagle and waving the American flag. On the other hand, one drawing depicts a native king's wives wearing handkerchiefs decorated with portraits of English race-horses such as "Hermit", "Bluegown" and "Gladiator." See, however, a half-page illustration "Steam boat" built for Dr. Livingstone's exploration of the Zambesi River, Illustrated London News, 27 February 1858.
General note:
Paintings and drawings; in case. Each drawing is mounted on grey paper, and apart from the title, has a typewritten caption below, some with MS alterations. The drawings measure 14 x 8 in. and are bound in one volume, folio, cloth, with the title in gold on upper cover , apparently unpublished, a most amusing and possibly unique series of illustrations.
Collection Rights:
The collection is housed in the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History, which is open to researchers Monday through Friday in the afternoons, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.; morning visits are by appointment only. Please call (202) 633-1184 or email AskaLibrarian@si.edu for an appointment.
