An Auction of Enslaved People in Richmond, from "Le Monde Illustré"
Roughly one month before the outbreak of the American Civil War, "Le Monde Illustré," a French weekly newspaper, published this wood engraving to illustrate an article about the auctions of enslaved people in the southern states. The print shows a public sale in Richmond, Virginia, the largest depot of the trade, besides New Orleans. The condemnatory article animates this "revolting market" by quoting the derogatory sales pitch of the auctioneer gesturing toward the young mother and child at right.
Artwork Details
- Title: An Auction of Enslaved People in Richmond, from "Le Monde Illustré"
- Series/Portfolio: Le Monde Illustré
- Engraver: Bourcier (French, active 1861–69)
- Artist: After Edmond Morin (French, Le Havre 1824–1882 Sceaux)
- Date: March 23, 1861
- Medium: Wood engraving
- Dimensions: Sheet: 10 1/16 × 14 1/2 in. (25.5 × 36.8 cm)
Image: 8 3/4 × 12 5/8 in. (22.2 × 32 cm) - Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Gift of Donato Esposito, 2018
- Object Number: 2018.614.4
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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