Postcard shows a scene from the novel, "Oliver Twist", written by Charles Dickens in 1837-8.
The image depicts Fagin, a pickpocket and miser of Jewish descent, examining his concealed valuables under the veil of night, believing everyone else is asleep. Nearby, Oliver, the young boy forcibly brought into Fagin's gang of juvenile delinquents, observes from his bed. Fagin's portrayal is marred by anti-Semitic undertones and the reinforcement of negative Jewish stereotypes.
He is often referred to simply as "The Jew," and his character is characterized by traits of greed, cruelty, and the abduction of young children, whom he trains to become thieves. He is also referred to as the "Old One", meaning the Devil.
Charles Dickens, the author, justified this characterization by suggesting that if he were to create a character involved in fencing stolen goods, that character would have to be of Jewish origin because, in his view, such criminals were predominantly Jewish.

Artist: Arthur Moreland. The link is to "Postcard History" newsletter.
Publisher: Samuels Ltd, London, England
Printer:
Date: Early Divided Back Era


#postcards #stereotype #JewishBehaviour #Fagin #OliverTwist

#postcards #stereotype #JewishBehaviour #pawnbroker #moneylender

portrays a caricatured figure resembling a Jewish man, holding a flag adorned with offensive anti-Semitic imagery. This depiction includes exaggerated features such as an unkempt beard, unruly hair, bushy eyebrows, prominent pointed ears, and exaggerated fleshy lips.
In the center of the flag, the man's disproportionately large hands are depicted as though they are extending from his head like wings, which is commonly associated with harmful stereotypes of greed. Surrounding this central figure, two scenes allude to harmful stereotypes about Jewish people supposedly using arson as a means to collect insurance money. One scene is titled 'Our Friend' and depicts a burning building, while the other is titled 'Our Enemy' and portrays the fire department.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, peddlers were itinerant vendors who traveled alone, carrying their wares as they moved from place to place. Jewish men often engaged in this occupation, specializing in selling refurbished clothing they had purchased, cleaned, and repaired for resale at a profit. Unfortunately, Jewish peddlers were frequently depicted in a negative light as untrustworthy individuals who sold subpar items at inflated prices.

Artist:
Publisher: Hubin's Big Post Card Store, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Printer:
Date: Early Divided Back Era (1907 - 1914)