Unsigned primitive painting of Charlestown Prison Yard showing granite octagonal structure of 1850

Unsigned primitive painting of Charlestown Prison Yard showing granite octagonal structure of 1850. Possibly painted by an inmate; certainly an example of folk art. For the first sixty years in the life of the prison, inmates wore uniforms of two colors - half red and half blue. During the first few years, the Directors, surprised(!) at the increasing number of repeaters, decreed that second offenders add a yellow stripe to the red and blue, and upon release into the community, be tatooed with "Mass. S.P." on the under surface of their left arms. Third offenders were made conspicuous by an additional black stripe and were permitted only one warm meal per day and two visits per year. ..Iron collars and a "yellow cap, with ass's ears" marked those who broke the strict prison rules. A clog with a heavy chain affixed to his leg, discouraged the potential escapee from getting out before the expiration of his sentence. The Downtown Gallery of 32 E 51, N.Y.C.
Courtesy of Boston Public Library