Extra, Extra (The Paper Boy)

John George Brown was born in England in 1831, but moved to New York—his adopted home—in 1853. He began study at the National Academy of Design in 1854, was elected a National Academician in 1861, and acted as vice-president of the Academy from 1899-1904. His work was regularly exhibited at the academy and throughout the Northeast.

Among the most well-known genre painters of his day, Brown often sought to capture the spirit of children as they worked the city streets. These included chimney sweeps, bootblacks, street merchants, and newsboys. Among the most popular paintings in the Museum’s collection, Extra, Extra captures a newsboy in action—walking along, calling out, his scarf flowing in the breeze while he carries copies of the latest edition.

In the late 19th century, New York (and other large cities) teemed with working children, actively engaged in the support of their families or even living on the streets. Brown’s work often depicted their activity, ambition, and vigor while ignoring many of the harsh realities they experienced.