Artwork

Expulsion of Negroes and Abolitionists from Tremont Temple, Boston, Massachusetts, on December 3, 1860

Expulsion of Negroes and Abolitionists from Tremont Temple, Boston, Massachusetts, on December 3, 1860 is a print by the Impressionist artist Winslow Homer. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This print, created by Winslow Homer in 1860, captures a tumultuous event: the expulsion of African Americans and abolitionists from Boston's Tremont Temple on December 3, 1860. The work is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts a chaotic confrontation within a large, dimly lit room, likely a church or auditorium. A group of formally dressed men are being forcibly removed, amidst a crowd of struggling individuals. The atmosphere is tense and violent, conveying a sense of disorder.

Technique & Style

Homer's depiction of the event showcases his skill in capturing dynamic scenes. Although often associated with marine subjects, this work demonstrates his ability to convey the intensity of a social confrontation.

History & Provenance

The print was created in the same year as the event it portrays, 1860. Winslow Homer, a largely self-taught artist, was at the beginning of his career as a commercial illustrator, which would eventually lead to his prominence as a 19th-century American painter.

Context

The expulsion from Tremont Temple was a significant event in the lead-up to the American Civil War, reflecting the deep divisions within the country on issues of slavery and abolition.