ca. 1850-55, [portrait of a gentleman as the “wily Yankee”] The “wily Yankee” was a popular 19th century stage character who became the visual predecessor to “Uncle Sam.” Between acts, the wily Yankee remained on stage, whittled, and told parables. At times, he was known to flirt with both the women and men in the audience as he suggestively carved a stick. via the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photography Collection

ca. 1850-55, [portrait of a gentleman as the “wily Yankee”]

The “wily Yankee” was a popular 19th century stage character who became the visual predecessor to “Uncle Sam.” Between acts, the wily Yankee remained on stage, whittled, and told parables. At times, he was known to flirt with both the women and men in the audience as he suggestively carved a stick.

via the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photography Collection