The Tombstone of Pompey Brenton, a Slave, Newport, Rhode Island, 1772 c. 20th century

Editor: This is Ann Parker's rendering of "The Tombstone of Pompey Brenton, a Slave" from 1772. It's so simple, yet the details feel so poignant. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: This image resonates deeply, forcing us to confront the intertwined histories of art, slavery, and memorialization. The angel depiction, a common motif, here becomes a complicated symbol of a life lived under oppression. How does Parker's work engage with the complexities of representing enslaved individuals in art? Editor: That's a powerful point. The angel is almost unsettling in this context. Thank you, that gives me a lot to think about. Curator: Indeed. By viewing this image, we confront the power dynamics inherent in its creation and the ongoing need for dialogue about representation, agency, and historical justice.