19th Century African American Art

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Questions and Answers

What period is referred to as the Antebellum period?

The period leading up to the Civil War.

Which amendment guaranteed freedom to African Americans?

Nineteenth Amendment

Fourteenth Amendment

Thirteenth Amendment (correct)

Fifteenth Amendment

The election of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency led to the secession of Southern states.

True

Who was Dave the Potter?

A skilled potter and poet who created large jars for storage and communicated his poems on them. Signup and view all the answers

The term 'Manifest Destiny' represented the belief in American __________.

expansion Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant influence on the development of Black arts after the Civil War?

The participation of abolitionists Signup and view all the answers

What social conditions contributed to the emergence of African American fine artists?

The ending of the slave trade, the expansion of free black communities, and a growing middle and wealthy class. Signup and view all the answers

All African American artists had equal access to opportunities after gaining their freedom.

False Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

Abolitionists = Individuals who campaigned against slavery Antebellum period = Time before the Civil War Manifest Destiny = The belief in American expansion Voodoo Jugs = Inventive stoneware created by slave potters Signup and view all the answers

What does the contrasting use of white eyes and darker colored form in the clay images suggest?

A similarity to Kongo 'power' statuary. Signup and view all the answers

How did female slaves contribute to the development of folk art during the antebellum period?

By dominating textile production and creating quilts. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Harriet Powers' quilts play in the expression of African American culture?

They communicated narratives of faith and freedom. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the quilt-making skills among enslaved women?

They used commissions to purchase their freedom. Signup and view all the answers

What influence did the Davies Factory have on the hypothesis of African-derived styles?

It employed Kongo slaves, suggesting African influence. Signup and view all the answers

In what way did the quilts also serve a purpose beyond artistic expression?

They represented a form of financial independence for women. Signup and view all the answers

What role did European-American patrons play in the opportunities available to Black artists?

They influenced which Black artists gained visibility and support. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Bible quilt created by Harriet Powers?

It became a metaphor for freedom and salvation narratives. Signup and view all the answers

How did colorism and racism affect opportunities for Black artists historically?

Class and race heavily influenced the opportunities available to them. Signup and view all the answers

What transformation occurred in pottery forms in northern Kongo by the early nineteenth century?

They evolved into more African forms and magical objects. Signup and view all the answers

What was a common starting point for many Black artists during the Antebellum period?

Working as Artisans, crafting banners and signs. Signup and view all the answers

What significant element did Dave the Potter incorporate into his pottery?

He inscribed poems on his pottery. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the term 'AfroGeorgian' and 'AfroCarolinian' in relation to Edgefield face vessels?

It denotes the heritage and regional origins of the potters. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the artistic style of the Edgefield face vessels?

Human faces sculpted in relief on the body of the vessels. Signup and view all the answers

What did many Black artists aspire to achieve in their work to meet societal standards?

Adhere to the European standard of art for acceptance. Signup and view all the answers

How did the skills of artisans differ from those of fine artists according to the historical context?

Artisans primarily focused on functional works while fine artists pursued expression. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event allowed Lewis to sell over 100 plaster replicas of the Shaw portrait busts?

The Soldiers' Relief Fund Fair Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary theme of Lewis's sculpture 'Forever Free'?

The realization of abolitionism Signup and view all the answers

How did Lewis's work appeal to different audiences?

It was relatable to both educated and uneducated individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What does the kneeling female slave in Lewis's work symbolize?

Nineteenth-century attitudes about black slaves and women Signup and view all the answers

What artistic challenge did Lewis face with her sculpture?

Sculpting two figures in one composition Signup and view all the answers

How did Lewis's education under Edmund Brackett influence her career?

It provided her with the confidence to open her own studio. Signup and view all the answers

What did the term 'cult of true womanhood' refer to during the mid-nineteenth century?

The expectation for women to be modest, feminine, and domestic Signup and view all the answers

What does the naturalism in Lewis's work enhance?

The emotional appeal of her subjects Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the central concerns depicted by images of slave women?

Their vulnerability to sexual exploitation. Signup and view all the answers

How did black abolitionist newspaper articles influence gender roles?

They encouraged black men and women to adopt white American gender conventions. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant aspect of the female slave's portrayal in society?

She was viewed as property controlled by men. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key milestone in Henry Ossawa Tanner's artistic career?

He was the first African American artist to be elected to a prestigious academy. Signup and view all the answers

Which painting by Henry Ossawa Tanner received immediate praise for its technical skill and emotional depth?

The Banjo Lesson Signup and view all the answers

In what European country did Tanner spend most of his professional life?

France Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of Reverend Grimes on black families during slavery?

He was involved in reuniting families separated by slavery. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the notable themes in Tanner's painting technique?

Skilled rendering of figures and light. Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about Tanner's painting 'Banjo Lesson' in 1893?

It offered a subjective interpretation of black life. Signup and view all the answers

How did Tanner's overseas experience impact his career?

He gained international recognition. Signup and view all the answers

What criticism did Alaine Locke have regarding Tanner's work?

He felt Tanner's portrayal of black subjects was lacking. Signup and view all the answers

What theme did Tanner predominantly focus on after gaining recognition?

Biblical themes from the gospels. Signup and view all the answers

What notion did Locke express regarding future Negro artists following Tanner?

They needed a distinctive tradition to guide them. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Tanner's return from Italy notable in 1896?

He won a medal for a religious painting. Signup and view all the answers

What did Tanner achieve by exhibiting 'Banjo Lesson' at the Paris Salon?

He received little enthusiasm due to its American theme. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Locke claim Tanner's success played for future Negro artists?

It provided a model for imitation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

19th Century Context

Antebellum period was characterized by a mix of hope for White America and identity formation in the American West.
Manifest Destiny became a prominent ideal, reflecting national ambitions and aspirations.
U.S. sought to establish a unique cultural identity while drawing inspiration from European art and standards.

Socio-Political Climate

Abraham Lincoln's election in 1860 led to the secession of Southern states, igniting the Civil War (1861-1865).
Religious groups, especially Quakers and Methodists, viewed slavery as incompatible with Christian morals and human rights.
The Thirteenth Amendment (1865) abolished slavery, marking a shift towards equality for African Americans.

Development of African American Fine Art

Emergence of African American artists influenced by social and economic shifts, including the end of the slave trade and growing free Black communities.
Many early Black fine artists were mulatto individuals who had access to education, often in Europe, which helped them secure better opportunities.
Colorism and systemic racism significantly affected the success and visibility of Black artists, with opportunities often favoring lighter-skinned individuals.
European-American patrons, as well as abolitionist Black community leaders, played key roles in supporting these artists.

Artistic Evolution and Training

Black artists adhered to European artistic standards, pursuing formal training and public visibility paralleling their European counterparts.
Many initially worked as artisans, creating functional items like banners and signs during the Antebellum period.

Influence of African Heritage in Pottery

African American slaves were predominant in pottery, often working in mills run by white owners in the South.
Notable figure: Dave the Potter (1780-1863), a skilled artisan known for creating large storage jars and inscriptions on pottery.
Dave’s works included the "Great and Noble Jar," which featured literary inscriptions, showcasing both artistic skill and literacy.

Unique Pottery Forms

The region produced innovative pottery styles, including "voodoo jugs" characterized by unique face likenesses.
These face vessels were named "Afro-Georgian" and "Afro-Carolinian" to recognize their African heritage and local craftsmanship.
Edgefield face vessels featured sculptured human faces, displaying dramatic visual elements and using varied clays for depth and texture.

Social class distinctions and patronage greatly influenced the success of Black artists in the United States.
Colorism and racism impeded opportunities for Black artists, despite their emancipation.
Major patrons included European-Americans and Black community leaders who were abolitionists.
Black artists often adhered to European art standards, seeking formal training and public visibility.

Pottery and African Influence

African American slaves largely worked in pottery mills under white managers, primarily in the Antebellum period.
Dave the Potter (1780-1863) is notable for his craftsmanship, creating large storage jars inscribed with poetry.
His most famous work includes the "Great and Noble Jar," showcasing literacy and artistry in its inscriptions.

Voodoo Jugs and Edgefield Face Vessels

Slave potters in the Edgefield District produced unique stoneware, including "voodoo jugs" and grotesque jars.
Face vessels from this region feature human faces, drawing aesthetic parallels to Kongo power statuary.
The stylistic connections suggest continuity of African pottery traditions among enslaved artisans.

Quilting as an Expression of Freedom

Female slaves dominated textile production, contributing to quilt-making during and after the Antebellum period.
Quilts were used as a means of economic independence, aiding enslaved women in purchasing their freedom.
Harriet Powers (1837-1911) created narrative quilts that merged Christian themes with African American oral traditions.

Edmonia Lewis and Forever Free

Edmonia Lewis (1844-1907) trained under Edmund Brackett, gaining renown for her sculptures.
"Forever Free" celebrated abolitionism, addressing complex themes of race and gender.
Lewis's work appealed to both educated elites and uneducated audiences, reflecting broader societal narratives.

Henry Ossawa Tanner’s Impact

Tanner (1859-1937) was a pioneer among Black artists, achieving significant recognition in both the US and France.
His painting "Banjo Lesson" captured intimate black life, defying typical genre painting themes of the time.
Tanner focused primarily on biblical subjects, earning prestige for works like "The Resurrection of Lazarus."

Alaine Locke's Critique

Alaine Locke critiqued Tanner, expressing the need for a distinct "school of Negro art" to reflect Black experiences.
Locke’s statements spurred discussions about the representation of Black narratives in art and the necessity of a racially representative tradition.
His perspectives emphasized the importance of Black artists seeing themselves in their artistic representations.

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Description

Explore the rich tapestry of African American art during the 19th century, a period marked by the tensions of the Antebellum era and the ideals of Manifest Destiny. This quiz delves into how art reflected the hopes and struggles of African Americans leading up to the Civil War. Test your knowledge on key artists, movements, and historical contexts of this transformative time.