Thomas Hovenden
American
Thomas Hovenden came to the United States from Ireland at the age of 23. He trained in New York and Paris, and while in France he married a fellow student, Helen Corson. Corson came from a dedicated abolitionist family in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, where her father established Abolition Hall, a place where abolitionists gathered and where escaped slaves could seek refuge. This building later became the studio where Hovenden painted sympathetic images of African Americans.
Born
1840
Died
1895
Was John Brown a terrorist?
Here, the legendary abolitionist and martyr John Brown descends the stairs of the jail in Charles Town, West Virginia. A noose hangs around his neck, and his arms are bound at his sides. Pausing on the stairs, Brown leans over the railing to kiss an African American baby held up by its mother, who is also the caregiver for the young girl who clings protectively to her skirt. Brown’s position on the stairs, surrounded by hostile captors, recalls historical depictions of Christ presented to the people.
Medium
Oil on canvas
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd
Item ID
1979.7.60
Dimensions
46 1/8 x 38 1/8 in. (117.2 x 96.8 cm)
Date
ca. 1884
Country
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Artist name
Thomas Hovenden
Artwork location