Historic Antique Old 19th c. Civil War Black Americana Folk Art Oil Painting
This is a culturally significant and Historic Antique Old 19th c. Texas Civil War Era Black Americana Folk Art Oil Painting on canvas, mounted on artist board, depicting an African American family having a picnic in the woods, likely sometime during the post – Civil War Reconstruction Era. However, the scene depicted in this painting may take place during a time prior to the passing of the 13th Amendment, which formally abolished slavery in the United States. A young boy stands to the left of the scene, wearing a red shirt and holding a basket of eggs above his head. Near his legs, stands a small and loyal black & white dog. To the right of this scene, a seated older woman appears to be kneading dough, with a tea kettle placed on a small table to her right. Surrounding this matriarch are two other children, and a seated figure propped against a tree, which may be her husband, or her oldest child. Rice at the lower right edge. I could not find any information on this artist, but perhaps you know more about them or their work? This piece likely dates to the late 19th century – very early 20th century. This painting was originally stretched and mounted on stretcher bars. It appears that at some time in the mid 20th century, this canvas was glued down to this piece of artist board, likely as a means of preservation. This artwork was acquired from an old Texas collection in 2022 and may represent an African American family that had recently received freedom in the State of Texas on June 19th, 1865. This event is nationally celebrated every year and known as Juneteenth. Approximately 20 x 21 3/4 inches. Good condition for age, with a few light scuffs and edge wear to the painted canvas please see photos. Acquired in Southern Texas, United States. This important painting is priced to Sell. If you like what you see, I encourage you to make an Offer. Please check out my other listings for more wonderful and unique artworks! The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth. On “Freedom’s Eve, ” or the eve of January 1, 1863, the first Watch Night services took place. On that night, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. At the stroke of midnight, prayers were answered as all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free. Union soldiers, many of whom were black, marched onto plantations and across cities in the south reading small copies of the Emancipation Proclamation spreading the news of freedom in Confederate States. Only through the Thirteenth Amendment did emancipation end slavery throughout the United States. But not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as “Juneteenth” by the newly freed people in Texas. Formerly enslaved people immediately sought to reunify families, establish schools, run for political office, push radical legislation and even sue slaveholders for compensation. Given the 200+ years of enslavement, such changes were nothing short of amazing. Not even a generation out of slavery, African Americans were inspired and empowered to transform their lives and their country. Juneteenth marks our country’s second Independence Day. Although it has long celebrated in the African American community, this monumental event remains largely unknown to most Americans. The historical legacy of Juneteenth shows the value of never giving up hope in uncertain times. The National Museum of African American History and Culture. Is a community space where this spirit of hope lives on. A place where historical events like Juneteenth are shared and new stories with equal urgency are told.