For twelve years John Brown engaged in land speculations and wool merchandizing. All this to make some money for his greater work which was the abolishment of slavery.

Jacob Lawrence; Ives-Sillman, Inc.; Founders Society of the Detroit Institute of Arts; Sirocco Screenprinters, For twelve years John Brown engaged in land speculations and wool merchandizing. All this to make some money for his greater work which was the abolishment of slavery.

Jacob Lawrence, artist

1917–2000

Ives-Sillman, Inc., designer

1958–1978

Founders Society of the Detroit Institute of Arts, publisher

founded 1919

Sirocco Screenprinters, printer

founded 1950

For twelve years John Brown engaged in land speculations and wool merchandizing. All this to make some money for his greater work which was the abolishment of slavery., 1974–1977

Portfolio/Series title: The Legend of John Brown

Where object was made: New Haven, Connecticut, United States

Material/technique: screen print; Domestic Etching paper

Dimensions:
Image Dimensions Height/Width (Height x Width): 355 x 508 mm
Image Dimensions Height/Width (Height x Width): 14 x 20 in
Sheet/Paper Dimensions (Height x Width): 510 x 657 mm
Sheet/Paper Dimensions (Height x Width): 20 1/16 x 25 7/8 in
Frame Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth): 24 1/4 x 32 1/4 x 1 in

Credit line: Museum purchase: Gift of Jeff and Mary Weinberg

Accession number: 2020.0068.04

Not on display

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Lawrence’s visual narrative emphasizes above all that Brown’s religious beliefs motivated his efforts to abolish slavery. Rather than depict Brown’s violent attacks against slaveholders, Lawrence focuses instead on his zealous work as a fundraiser and organizer for the abolitionist cause.