1853, John Houston, The Fugitive Slave -- National Gallery of Art (Washington) (special exhibition)
From the museum label: Best known for history paintings of the English Civil War and watercolor landscapes, Houston departed from his typical style and subject matter to express his support of abolition in the United States, which trailed behind Britain’s outlawing of the slave trade and slavery in the earlier 19th century. Houston casts dramatic light over the main figure, who crouches behind a tree as he desperately looks toward the mounted figures visible on the horizon. Hovering directly above him is a cross-shaped star offering divine guidance. The Fugitive Slave demonstrates the insistent hope of, and extreme risks taken by, enslaved people to find freedom.
1853, John Houston, The Fugitive Slave -- National Gallery of Art (Washington) (special exhibition)
From the museum label: Best known for history paintings of the English Civil War and watercolor landscapes, Houston departed from his typical style and subject matter to express his support of abolition in the United States, which trailed behind Britain’s outlawing of the slave trade and slavery in the earlier 19th century. Houston casts dramatic light over the main figure, who crouches behind a tree as he desperately looks toward the mounted figures visible on the horizon. Hovering directly above him is a cross-shaped star offering divine guidance. The Fugitive Slave demonstrates the insistent hope of, and extreme risks taken by, enslaved people to find freedom.