And a Woman Mans a Cannon

1955

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

Margaret Cochran Corbin fought with her cannoneer husband in the Battle of Fort Washington, in what is now Upper Manhattan. Taking her husband’s place at the cannon, she fired bravely until wounded and captured. Corbin later joined the "Invalid Regiment" at West Point. She struggled as a disabled veteran, living most of her life in poverty. In 1926, she became the first woman buried with full military honors at West Point. More than fifty years later, the New York City Council named in her honor the plaza and drive to the site of the battle—still called Fort Tryon Park, for the last British colonial governor. Highlighting his interest in the role of women in American history, Lawrence presents Corbin as a commanding heroine, anchoring the left flank of the firing soldiers, as her slain husband lies at her feet.

Artwork Details

Overview

Exhibition History

Title: And a Woman Mans a Cannon
Artist: Jacob Lawrence (American, Atlantic City, New Jersey 1917–2000 Seattle, Washington)
Date: 1955
Medium: Egg tempera on hardboard
Dimensions: 16 × 12 in. (40.6 × 30.5 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Collection of Harvey and Harvey-Ann Ross
Curatorial Department: Modern and Contemporary Art