Artwork
Slave Market
Slave Market is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Frederic Remington. It dates from 1897 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About this work
Overview
Frederic Remington’s 1897 oil on canvas, titled Slave Market, depicts a gathering of dark‑skinned men and boys in a bustling market scene. The figures are arranged in a loose line, with some youths seated or standing nearby, while modest structures with thatched roofs rise in the background, suggesting a setting in the Middle East or North Africa.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a moment of commercial exchange, focusing on the human presence within a market that historically involved the trade of enslaved individuals. By portraying the participants in everyday attire—head wraps, robes, and occasional shirtlessness—Remington emphasizes the ordinary aspects of a practice that was, at the time, a stark reality in certain regions.
Technique & Style
Remington employs a restrained palette and contrasts of light and shadow to model the figures and give depth to the architectural backdrop. The brushwork is relatively smooth, allowing the textures of fabric and thatch to emerge without overt detail, while the overall arrangement guides the eye toward the central group of men.
History & Provenance
Completed in 1897, the painting entered the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in late‑19th‑century American artists who explored themes beyond the frontier, extending into global subjects.
Context
Created during a period when Western artists were increasingly fascinated by exotic locales, Remington’s work aligns with contemporary Orientalist trends. While known primarily for depictions of the American West, this piece demonstrates his broader curiosity about foreign cultures and the complex social dynamics they presented.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Frederic Sackrider Remington was an American painter, illustrator, sculptor, and writer who specialized in the genre of Western American Art.
