Artwork

Granville Sharp the Abolitionist Rescuing a Slave from the Hands of His Master

Granville Sharp the Abolitionist Rescuing a Slave from the Hands of His Master, by James Hayllar, oil, 1864
Granville Sharp the Abolitionist Rescuing a Slave from the Hands of His Master, by James Hayllar, oil, 1864

Granville Sharp the Abolitionist Rescuing a Slave from the Hands of His Master is an oil painting by James Hayllar. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Granville Sharp the Abolitionist Rescuing a Slave from the Hands of His Master is an 1864 oil painting by English artist James Hayllar, held in the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a dramatic scene of Granville Sharp intervening to free an enslaved person, reflecting the abolitionist efforts of the time. Three central figures are shown, with Sharp likely represented by the man in the dark coat, confronting the slave's master.

Technique & Style

The work showcases Hayllar's skill in genre painting, with a tense atmosphere and detailed depiction of clothing and setting. The use of oil paint allows for rich colors, evident in the figures' attire, such as the blue coat with gold trim and the pink coat.

History & Provenance

Created in 1864 by James Hayllar, an English painter with a diverse career, the painting is now part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection. Hayllar came from a family of artists, with his four daughters also becoming notable painters.

Merchant with a Slave
Merchant with a Slave, Unknown

Artist & collection

Portrait of James Hayllar

Artist

James Hayllar

James Hayllar (1829–1920) was an English genre, portrait and landscape painter. Four of his daughters Edith Hayllar, Jessica Hayllar, Mary Hayllar and Kate Hayllar were also notable painters.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Granville Sharp the Abolitionist Rescuing a Slave from the Hands of His Master?

Granville Sharp the Abolitionist Rescuing a Slave from the Hands of His Master was painted by James Hayllar in 1864.

Where can I see Granville Sharp the Abolitionist Rescuing a Slave from the Hands of His Master?

Granville Sharp the Abolitionist Rescuing a Slave from the Hands of His Master is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.