Make Way for Liberty! 1863

Curator: Here we have Henry Louis Stephens's "Make Way for Liberty!", a print of modest size. Editor: There's a raw energy to it. The crude lines and vibrant colors almost vibrate with a sense of urgency and action. Curator: It’s suggestive of the American Civil War era and depicts a Black soldier leading a charge, a bold statement for its time, reflecting shifting social attitudes during the conflict. Editor: Indeed. Look at the printing process; it seems rudimentary, perhaps a wood engraving or lithograph, making it widely accessible, serving its function as political propaganda. The material conditions of its production speak volumes about its purpose. Curator: Absolutely. The image circulated widely, intended to rally support for the Union cause and advocate for the participation of Black soldiers. The politics of imagery were strong. Editor: And the artist's choice of materials -- the cheap paper, the bold inks -- ensured its dissemination, embedding the image of Black soldiers into the public consciousness. Curator: It’s a fascinating artifact of its time, revealing the complex interplay between art, war, and social change. Editor: A powerful reminder that even the humblest of materials can carry the weight of history and propel social transformation.