Torment, torture, and abuse of black slaves are what are seen at first glimpse, but the detailed landscape is a representation of Africa in contrast to slavery. David Livingstone was an African explorer who enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Africa, but despised the ongoing process of slavery. His detailed portrayal of foreground and background presents a double-sided coin, a double perspective in other words, to what Africa really was. The fact of the matter was that slavery was occurring, it wasn't something to deny, but at the same time it was not the only thing that Africa had to offer. There were huge hills, gorgeous oceans, and tons of plant life in addition to the slave trade that was occurring daily.The title, as you can see, of this piece if "Slavers Revenging Their Loses". The purpose of the painting, from the title, is to show the unequal treatment of slaves, but the landscape of both foreground and background is in great detail. Livingstone is educating us onlookers; he wants us to be aware of the tortures that are occurring, but not to lose sight of the beauty Africa has to offer.
The detailed portrayal of foreground and background is also a portrayal of slavery and freedom. Looking in the foreground you are shown slaves attached together and one even being killed for not being as fast as the others, this is a clear representation of slavery. In the background you are shown the ocean, hills, and birds soaring through the sky. The ocean looks closer than it actually is and the birds are bigger than they actually are, these alterations present the concept of freedom. Even when death and captivity is present in Africa, there is still good alive in the background. There is more to this picture; there is an interpretation and meaning this image for us to understand.
Nice analysis of the picture. I think if you hadn't mentioned that David Livingstone hated slavery I would've just thought that the background was an interpretation of the African brush, kind of making the looker percieve African terrain as a dangerous labyrinth of unclassified plants.
ReplyDeleteVery good interpretation of the contrasts with the backround. I also think that the white clothing that the slavers are wearing provide a contrast with the black, naked slaves, especially with the slaver at the front of the march. The slaver at the front is strikingly whiter than the entire picture, offering an almost royal status compared to the slaves.
ReplyDeleteLivingston's appreciation of african wildlife is extremely evident in this portrayal of the African slave trade. I completely agree with Mia's insights. The size of the birds and the large presence of nature leads the viewer to believe this photo is not merely a comment on slavery, but also a tribute to the diverse nature of the continent. The trees and birds illustrate a stark contrast to the violence and weapons depicted, turning an entirely depressing cruel scene into one with a glimmer of hope and wonder. This representation indicates that slavery, one of the most inhumane unspeakable acts, had no place in an area filled with such natural beauty.
ReplyDeleteGreat evaluation on this piece. When most people think of Africa they envision slavery, disease, wild animals, and deserts but Livingston's piece illustrates a more authentic depiction. However, he doesn't disregard the fact that slavery did exist and Africans were mistreated, he simply reminds us that Africa indeed is a beautiful place. Your analysis put the picture in a better perspective for me.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate this attention to landscape because I've looked at this image for years and never thought much about the birds or trees. But I think you're absolutely right about Livingstone's attention to this aspect of Africa as well.
ReplyDelete