Preview
Buy Print
Send
Share
Download
Similars
X-Ray
Diaporama...is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the prices of chains and slavery? Patrick Henry-1775
Expressionism
1955
31.0 x 41.0 cm
The title of this panel is drawn from a speech delivered by Virginia statesman Patrick Henry defending the colonial cause. Its reference to enslavement galvanized patriots to demand liberty from the British—an argument hypocritical to some, coming from a Southern enslaver. In the painting, Lawrence dramatically positioned a figure at top left, gesticulating above a rallying crowd. The man also clutches a rifle that undergirds raised fists, including one blocking a woman and child from a bayonet. Faces of all tonalities focus intently on the speaker amid the chaotic scene, which the dynamic composition reinforces. At right, a dark wall with red drips foreshadows the bloody struggles to come.
Jacob Lawrence (1917 – 2000)
Discover Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000), a pivotal African American artist of the Harlem Renaissance. Known for his 'dynamic cubism' & powerful depictions of Black life, history, and social justice.
About this artwork
- Title: ...is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the prices of chains and slavery? Patrick Henry-1775
- Artist: Jacob Lawrence
- Year: 1955
- Original dimensions: 31.0 x 41.0 cm
- Format: Landscape
- Copyright status: Under copyright
- Creative period: Mature Period
- Corpus context: social critique , challenging racial injustice
- Keywords: impasto texture art , dark red color palette , revolutionary art
- Color hue: Amber to Saffron
QR Code
