Prints/Illustrations

This series makes up the bulk of collection, with 226 objects. They include prints, lithographs, illustration sheets, photogravures, and printed ephemera. The subjects of these objects are vast and have been collected over a long period of time. They range from reproductions of animal drawings to portraits, diagrams, and excerpts from newspapers and books. Most of the prints are undated and unattributed, so it is possible they originally belonged to other members of either the Hoffmire or Peale family. There are several objects that were T.R. Peale’s, such as the documents associated with the Amateur Photographic Exchange Club he belonged to. Also, the multiple prints of animal drawings could have served as inspiration or examples for Peale’s own work as a naturalist.

Highlights of this series: There are many illustrations and lithographs of pastoral scenes as well as depictions of various types of animals. Specific examples include a series of prints of bears in box I1 and “Groupes d’Animaux” by Bierstadt in I5.

Box I4 contains reproductions of portraits of significant American figures as well as depictions of members of the Maori, one of which is signed by Titian Peale.

There are several examples of mechanical and architectural diagrams throughout the entire series. Also, there are several personal documents such as reproductions of letters and calling cards.