| Method | Mezzotint |
| Artist | William Giller after Henry James Pidding |
| Published | [c. 1828] |
| Dimensions | Image 306 x 250 mm, Sheet 342 x 280 mm |
| Notes |
A very rare mezzotint depicting a black servant in stocks. In the background a British countryside is seen, whilst a dog sniffs at the man's shoe. The period in which these prints were published is an interesting and important point in the history of slavery and black history. Although by the time the original painting, from which this mezzotint was taken, was completed the slave trade had been abolished, slaves across the world had not yet been freed. In 1807 the Slave Trade Act was passed, however slaves in the British colonies were not freed until 1838, and only after slave-owners received compensation. This print and its accompaniment are precursors to the dehumanising and racist 'coon' prints of the late 1800 and early 1900's, portraying black people as lazy, chronically idle and inarticulate. Previous depictions, like this print, described the black servant as 'Sambo', the sitters being portrayed as loyal and contented servants. The 'Sambo' imagery and racist stereotype was offered as a defence for slavery and segregation. This picture was originally intended as a companion piece to 'Massa Out. "Sambo Werry Dry."' (Stock No. 51756). William Giller (c.1805 - c.1868) was a British artist and engraver. Giller was most known for his mezzotint and stipple engravings of sporting subjects and portraits. He exhibited at the RA from 1855. Henry James Pidding (1797 - 1864) was a British artist and engraver. Born in London, Pidding was most known for his humorous paintings depicting domestic life. He exhibited at the Royal Academy and the British Institution. Ex. Col.: Hon. Christopher Lennox-Boyd. (Unrecorded in Lennox-Boyd database.) Condition: Trimmed within plate mark, just below title. Some creasing to corners. Glue residue to verso edges and corners. Lennox-Boyd collector stamp on verso. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £800.00 |
| Stock ID | 51755 |