Sketch of an Allegory of the Abolition of Slavery 1843 - 1853

This small clay sculpture, “Sketch of an Allegory of the Abolition of Slavery,” presents a classic image of freedom from bondage, though we don’t know who made it or when. It's likely the piece was made in Europe or the Americas. The figure on the left is probably meant to be seen as a representation of liberty, raising her eyes to the heavens as she breaks the bonds that tie her to the enslaved figure. This kind of sculpture draws heavily on classical visual codes and would have been created during a period in which abolitionist movements gained momentum. As such, the image participates in a wider conversation about human rights and social justice. Who might have commissioned a work like this? And to what extent does the artist challenge or reinforce the existing social norms of their time? To understand this artwork better, we might research the historical context of abolitionist movements, the use of allegory in art, and the representation of slavery in popular culture. Understanding these social and institutional contexts is vital for interpreting a work like this.