The Family Christian Almanac for the United States, for the year of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, 1867

Art Historical Context

Published in 1866 by the American Society—a prominent evangelical organization dedicated to distributing affordable religious literature—"The Family Christian Almanac the United States, for year of our Lord and Jesus Christ, 186" served as a cherished household guide during the turbulent post-Civil War era. This compact pamphlet (7 1/2 × 4 7/16 in.) blended practical information like calendars, weather forecasts, and tips with moral and spiritual reflections, reflecting the era's emphasis on family piety and self-improvement amid Reconstruction challenges. Illustrated with intricate wood engravings by artists such as Samuel Hart Wright, O. R. Kingsbury, James L. Langridge, and Harry Fenn, the almanac brought vivid scenes of everyday American life to life—depicting men working with horses, carriages traversing tree-lined paths, and rural labors. Wood engraving, a refined 19th-century technique using end-grain boxwood blocks, allowed for sharp, detailed images that could withstand high-volume printing presses, making religious art accessible to ordinary families. As a cultural artifact, this almanac underscores the role of print media in shaping Victorian-era values, promoting Christian virtues through engaging visuals. Donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2016, it offers a window into how faith intertwined with daily American existence.

About the Artist

Samuel Hart Wright|O. R. Kingsbury|James L. Langridge|American Tract Society|Harry Fenn (American|American|American, born England|American|American, born England) · 1825 | |1837 | |1845 –1905 | |1937 | |1911

American, 1825–1905|American|American (born England), ca. 1837, active New York ca. 1850–81|American|American (born England), Surrey 1845–1911 Montclair, New Jersey