L Rosenthal Collection

Widow Bird, from The Comic Natural History of the Human Race, 1851

Old Shad & Young, from The Comic Natural History of the Human Race, 1851

Same Old Coon (Henry Clay), from The Comic Natural History of the Human Race, 1851

Son Fish and Sucker, from The Comic Natural History of the Human Race, 1851

One of the Rats, from The Comic Natural History of the Human Race, 1851

Hum-Bug (P. T. Barnum), from the Comic Natural History of the Human Race, 1851

Woodpecker (William B. Gihon), from The Comic Natural History of the Human Race, 1851

Milliner Bird (Minnie Doyle), from The Comic Natural History of the Human Race, 1851

Sun Bird (James S. Wallace), from The Comic Natural History of the Human Race, 1851

King Bird (Robert P. King and Alexander Baird), from The Comic Natural History of the Human Race, 1851

Little Dear, from The Comic Natural History of the Human Race, 1851

Gallows Bird, from The Comic Natural History of the Human Race, 1851

Wharf Rat, from The Comic Natural History of the Human Race, 1851

Lark, from The Comic Natural History of the Human Race, 1851

Jail Bird, from The Comic Natural History of the Human Race, 1851

Humming Bird (Thomas B. Florence), from The Comic Natural History of the Human Race, 1851

Alms House Bird, from The Comic Natural History of the Human Race, 1851

Night Hawk, from The Comic Natural History of the Human Race, 1851

Vampyre, from The Comic Natural History of the Human Race, 1851

Butcher Birds, from The Comic Natural History of the Human Race, 1851

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"L Rosenthal: Capturing the Quirks and Personalities of the Human Race" Step into the whimsical world of L Rosenthal, a renowned artist whose illustrations from "The Comic Natural History of the Human Race" in 1851 continue to captivate audiences. With an uncanny ability to depict human characteristics through animal imagery, Rosenthal's work is both humorous and thought-provoking. In his masterpiece, "Widow Bird, " we witness the sorrowful yet elegant nature of grief personified by this avian creature. The delicate strokes and intricate details bring forth a sense of melancholy that resonates with viewers even after all these years. Rosenthal's keen observation extends beyond emotions as he delves into societal dynamics. In "Old Shad & Young, " he humorously portrays generational gaps, highlighting how age can influence perspectives and behaviors within families. Through his satirical lens, Rosenthal also tackles political figures like Henry Clay in "Same Old Coon. " This clever depiction sheds light on the repetitive nature of politicians' promises while showcasing their cunning ways. Not limited to humans alone, Rosenthal explores relationships between different species. In "Son Fish and Sucker, " he playfully illustrates a classic tale of deception where one fish takes advantage of another's naivety—a timeless reminder for us all. "The Comic Natural History" wouldn't be complete without its fair share of eccentric characters such as "One of the Rats. " With mischievous eyes peering out from beneath top hats, this illustration reminds us that even seemingly insignificant creatures can possess intriguing personalities worth exploring. Amongst these captivating creations stands P. T. Barnum himself—depicted as none other than Hum-Bug—an embodiment of showmanship and illusionary tactics that have fascinated audiences throughout history. Rosenthal doesn't shy away from depicting fellow artists either; William B. Gihon becomes a Woodpecker—a symbol not only of persistence but also the relentless pursuit of artistic excellence.