The Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans, 1867 by James E. Taylor

The Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans, 1867, by James E. Taylor records the torch-lit procession of the Mistick Krewe of Comus down a crowded St. Charles Street on Tuesday, March 6, 1867, one of the earliest richly documented Mardi Gras celebrations. Taylor, an American Civil War-era sketch artist, produced the original drawing for Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, where it was published as a wood engraving on April 6, 1867, capturing the elaborate parade floats, costumed revelers, and packed balconies of the St. Charles Theatre.

Artist: James E. Taylor. Date: 1867.

The Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans, 1867. Historic New Orleans Carnival Engraving Canvas Print.