The Captive Slave
1827
oil
From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago
1827
oil
From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago
The Captive Slave is an oil painting by British artist John Simpson, dated 1827. It shows a man in chains sitting on a stone bench, looking upward with a thoughtful expression. The work was first shown in London in 1827. Scholars think Simpson meant it as an abolitionist statement, using the subject and the time to comment on slavery. Its quiet mood strongly adds weight to the message. You can see it at the museum: Art Institute of Chicago.
