Artwork

Expulsion of Negroes and Abolitionists from Tremont Temple, Boston, Massachusetts, on December 3, 1860

Expulsion of Negroes and Abolitionists from Tremont Temple, Boston, Massachusetts, on December 3, 1860 is a print by the Impressionist artist Winslow Homer. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1942.1464
Credit line: Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund

About this work

Overview

This print, created by Winslow Homer in 1860, captures a tumultuous event: the expulsion of African Americans and abolitionists from Boston's Tremont Temple on December 3, 1860. The work is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts a chaotic confrontation within a large, dimly lit room, likely a church or auditorium. A group of formally dressed men are being forcibly removed, amidst a crowd of struggling individuals. The atmosphere is tense and violent, conveying a sense of disorder.

Technique & Style

Homer's depiction of the event showcases his skill in capturing dynamic scenes. Although often associated with marine subjects, this work demonstrates his ability to convey the intensity of a social confrontation.

History & Provenance

The print was created in the same year as the event it portrays, 1860. Winslow Homer, a largely self-taught artist, was at the beginning of his career as a commercial illustrator, which would eventually lead to his prominence as a 19th-century American painter.

Context

The expulsion from Tremont Temple was a significant event in the lead-up to the American Civil War, reflecting the deep divisions within the country on issues of slavery and abolition.