Freedom
Lefevre James Cranstone, Richmond Slave Market Auction, 1862, oil on canvas, 13 x 21 in. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, 2018.8. Photography by Edward C. Robison III.
Lefevre James Cranstone
Richmond Slave Market Auction
- What is going on in this artwork? How can you tell?
- Imagine you are standing in this place. What sounds do you hear? What is the mood of the room?
- Compare the different figures in the painting. What similarities and differences can you note?
The transatlantic slave trade was at its peak and slavery was one of the major issues of debate between the state delegates when the new nation created the Constitution. In 1860 the debate raged on in the States and abroad. Lefevre James Cranstone worked in the United States for less than a year when he made this painting in Virginia of the second largest auction market in the South.
- What does it mean to be free? Is there ever a reason for denying the rights of a specific group or groups of people?
- When prejudice and racism are supported by both custom and law, what can be done to create a more inclusive society?
Content Contributors
Exhibition sponsored by Kenneth C. Griffin
Learning and engagement programming for
We the People: The Radical Notion of Democracy is sponsored by:
Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr. Foundation | Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates, & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. | Johnny and Jeanie Morris, Bass Pro Shops | Alturas Foundation | Harriet and Warren Stephens, Stephens Inc. | Sotheby’s | Bob and Becky Alexander | Marybeth and Micky Mayfield | Lamar and Shari Steiger | Jeff and Sarah Teague / Citizens Bank | Arkansas Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities | Avis and Bill Bailey | Scarlett and Neff Basore | June Carter Family | Terri and Chuck Erwin | Jackye and Curtis Finch | The Harrison and Rhonda French Family | Jim and Susan von Gremp | Laurice Hachem | Shannon and Charles Holley | Valorie and Randy Lawson / Lawco Energy Group | Donna and Mack McLarty | Steve and Susan Nelson | Neal and Gina Pendergraft | Helen Porter | JT and Imelda Rose | Lee and Linda Scott | Stella Boyle Smith Trust, Catherine and Michael Mayton, Trustees | William Reese Company
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