An Auction of Enslaved People in Richmond, from "Le Monde Illustré"

Engraver Bourcier French

March 23, 1861

Not on view

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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