. English: 'Slave on Deck' In this image an enslaved African in chains stands on the deck of a ship holding a dagger in his hand as if about to kill himself. Although initialled on the back and dated 1801, the image first appeared as an engraving in the 1793 edition of Thomas Day’s anti-slavery poem ‘The Dying Negro’ (1773). This is a strikingly unusual representation of an African for this period. In many depictions during the abolitionist era, Africans were shown as kneeling, pleading or praying. Alternatively, they were caricatured in often grotesque ways. Here, however, the African is por
. English: 'Slave on Deck' In this image an enslaved African in chains stands on the deck of a ship holding a dagger in his hand as if about to kill himself. Although initialled on the back and dated 1801, the image first appeared as an engraving in the 1793 edition of Thomas Day’s anti-slavery poem ‘The Dying Negro’ (1773). This is a strikingly unusual representation of an African for this period. In many depictions during the abolitionist era, Africans were shown as kneeling, pleading or praying. Alternatively, they were caricatured in often grotesque ways. Here, however, the African is portrayed in a defiant pose, presumably contemplating suicide rather than captivity. The unconcern of the crew behind him, the other cargo, inkpot and bill of lading (perhaps) all suggest his status as another ‘trade’ commodity. Moreover, the broad arrow on the crate, lower left, and the guns suggest the vessel has some British government connection. 'Slave on deck' . 1793. George Cooke (1793–1849) Alternative names G. Cooke; George, II Cooke; George Cook; George Cooke II Description American painter Date of birth/death 17 March 1793 26 March 1849 Location of birth/death St. Mary's County New Orleans Work period 1810s - 1840s Work location United States, Europe Authority control : Q3101498 VIAF:?57783812 ISNI:?0000 0000 6688 1155 ULAN:?500005324 LCCN:?n78047547 GND:?132791080 WorldCat 6 'Slave on Deck' RMG E9897
Size: 1747px × 2861px
Photo credit: © The Picture Art Collection / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords:
