(Celebration of Emancipation)
Thomas Nast's depiction of emancipation at the end of the Civil War envisions the future of free blacks in the U.S. and contrasts it with various cruelties of the institution of slavery.
To a few, this picture may appear simple. However, to many, this picture represents hope. It looks as if there is a mother (matriarch) sitting and the two men may be her sons. The young lady could be her daughter- in-law. The future could be much easier, or even more difficult, but it would be on their terms, with freedom in sight.
I chose this picture for its plainness. This could be the calm before the storm. I say so because there is no way the proponents of slavery would allow blacks to be free. Why would you assist someone that has been giving you free labor? Then, you turn around and physically abuse them. That’s why I say the calm before the storm. Things and times are about to get very tough.
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