Artwork

To the Friends of Negro Emancipation

To the Friends of Negro Emancipation, by David Lucas, 1834
To the Friends of Negro Emancipation, by David Lucas, 1834

To the Friends of Negro Emancipation is a print by the Romanticist artist David Lucas. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

To the Friends of Negro Emancipation is a print created by David Lucas in 1834, based on a work by John Constable.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a group of Black people celebrating, centered around a tall figure with raised arms, surrounded by others dancing and playing instruments. The scene conveys a sense of joy and freedom, likely referencing the emancipation of slaves.

Technique & Style

The print is a mezzotint, characterized by bold contrasts between light and dark, which emphasizes the figures and creates a dynamic atmosphere.

History & Provenance

The print is part of the Lennox-Boyd collection of mezzotints, acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in 2015.

Artist & collection

Portrait of David Lucas

Artist

David Lucas

David Lucas (1802–1881) was a British artist.