Edmonia Lewis’ marble sculpture “Forever Free” best fits Camille’s request for art that is depicting both social oppression and a vision of a future utopian society. The shackles on the man’s hand and foot tell us that he is a former slave while the title of the peace and joyful expressions of its subjects tell us that this is a man who has recently gained his freedom.
The woman in the piece is described as being “less racialized” and subordinate to the man so that it “would better reflect the concept of ideal womanhood” and “would be more appealing to white audiences”. I don’t think this representation of subordination necessarily takes away from the idea of for equality “Forever Free” is expressing. Although the woman is in a subordinate pose, the fact that a woman is represented at all in the piece, especially kneeling next to an African American man, is remarkable on its own. From my basic understanding of American History, an African American man could be arrested or even killed for just looking at a white woman in the wrong way. They are shown together, even touching. This shows unity and equality between the two and also supports the idea that Edmonia is trying to tell us that a white man is not different from and African American man and deserves equal treatment. Not only that, but the woman in the piece is able to decide on her own whether or not it is appropriate to be in the presence of an African American man.
The two figures seem to be praising God for this new freedom, something I’m sure Camille would have been very pleased with. She believed that art was made by artists through God to teach us and guide society. Lewis’ work gives support to this idea by suggesting that God ended slavery and called upon Lewis to depict this freedom that God has given.
The material in which the piece was carved (marble) and the style in which it was done (neoclassical) further reflects its religious tribute. It was done it a way that angels, saints, Christ and other religious figures have been depicted in the past. This immediately links “Forever Free” to these past works and gives us a sense that the piece is also religious. I believe Lewis wanted to represent God in the piece not only because of her own faith, but also to reach those audiences who may not agree with the idea of equality for African Americans or may not even agree with the end of slavery. As Christianity was and still is the predominate faith in the United States, this work can easily connect with the audience through a common belief. It is far easier to move people into looking at another point of view they may not have otherwise seen when it is done through emotional or ethical appeal which, in this case, has been based on faith or deeply routed beliefs and person may already have.
I think that this is a good work of art to pick for Marie-Camille's vision, in many respects. Although I do think that the woman is actually supposed to be of African descent, you are right that she was made to look "less racialized." And in that context, it is interesting to see a white and African figure depicted next to each other.
ReplyDeleteSince Marie-Camille was interested in a "vision of the utopian socialist future," it's interesting to note that these figures are also looking upward (as if they are witnessing their own vision of the future).
-Prof. Bowen
I do wonder, though, if Marie-Camille would have liked the more academic depiction of these figures (which are sculpted in marble and done in the Neoclassical style). Although this sculpture isn't that radical in terms of technique, the subject matter fits with Marie-Camille's political standpoint.
ReplyDeleteAnd who knows? Maybe she would have still liked this sculpture. She did, after all, endorse a more traditional painting by Ingres.
-P.B.
I think it does promote the freedom of slavery and the idea of equality of men, but I still see the woman as being unequal to the man because of her position. I can't help but read that a woman's place is still below men no matter what race he is. Besides that though, I think Marie-Camille de G. would have approved of the noble figure of the woman who is passionately inspired for the cause of freedom. The woman is not displayed as a "gentle flower" to decorate a boudoir, she instead reflects the artist as a person that is inspired religiously and politically for freedom and equality of men.
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