Emancipated Blacks in the United States, from "Le Journal Illustré"

July 23–30, 1865

Not on view

Roughly one month following the end of the American Civil War, "Le Journal Illustré," a French weekly newspaper, published this wood engraving that illustrated the stakes of the Union victory. Although Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, it was not until 1865 that the congress passed the Thirteenth Amendment and the abolition of slavery was assured nationwide. While the image conveys a jubilant celebration of newfound freedom, the commentary that accompanied it was more pessimistic. The text asks what these men and women will do next for work and describes victims of starvation left in the path of triumphant processions such as this.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Secondary Titles

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Emancipated Blacks in the United States, from "Le Journal Illustré"
Series/Portfolio: Le Journal Illustré
Engraver: Amand Jacob (French, born 1834)
Artist: After Frédéric Lix (French, Strasbourg 1830–1897 Paris)
Date: July 23–30, 1865
Medium: Wood engraving
Dimensions: Sheet: 9 5/16 × 12 15/16 in. (23.7 × 32.8 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: Gift of Donato Esposito, 2016
Object Number: 2016.774.10
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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