Accession Number1895.13
TitleEmancipation Group
Artist(s)Thomas BallObject Creation Date1865Medium & SupportbronzeDimensions 32 15/16 in x 21 15/16 in x 16 5/8 in (83.66 cm x 55.72 cm x 42.23 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Henry C. LewisSubject matterAt the end of the Civil War (1861–65) there was an effort to promote an American Renaissance and to beautify cities with civic monuments and public sculpture. Sculptors, including Randolph Rogers, were commissioned to produce memorials that addressed themes of war and slavery and to commemorate military heroes, from the common soldier to President Abraham Lincoln himself. This work is a maquette for the Emancipation Memorial in Washington D.C.’s Lincoln Park, which depicts Abraham Lincoln as the “Great Emancipator” freeing a slave, establishing a narrative of theoretical peace and unity.
Physical DescriptionBronze sculpture of a standing male figure his right hand holding a shield which rests upon a stack of book while his left arm is outstretched hovering over the crouching figure of an African American male figure.
Primary Object ClassificationSculptureCollection AreaWesternRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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Keywords
book
books
pedestal
sculpture
sculpture (visual works)
shield
shields (armor)
slaves (people)