Description:
Printed broadside advertising profiles or silhouettes made by an itinerant artist named Mr. Chapman, likely the silhouette artist Moses Chapman. (Another example of this broadside in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is printed on the reverse, "Property of Moses Chapman.") Itinerant, or traveling, artists were a common part of tavern life in the early 19th century, setting up temporary lodgings in cities and towns to earn a living before moving on to the next location. Profile artists such as Moses Chapman, who may have been making silhouettes and profiles decorated with pastels and watercolor paints, often used a physiognotrace machine to create their likenesses. "CORRECT Profile Likenesses Taken at Mr. [blank] from 8 o'clock in the morning until 9 in the evening. M. Chapman respectfully informs the Ladies and Gentlemen of [blank] that he takes correct profiles, reduced to any size, two of one person for 25 cents, neatly cut on a beautiful paper. He also paints and shades them, if requested, for 75 cents; specimens of which may be seen at his room. Of those persons who are not satisfied with their profiles, previous to leaving his room, no pay shall be required. He makes use of a machine universally allowed by the best judges to be more correct than any ever before invented. Those who wish to embrace this opportunity of having their Profiles taken, will please to make early application, as he will positively leave town on [blank]. N.B. Frames of different kinds, for the Profiles, may be had at the above place, from 50 cents to two dollars each."
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