Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
01.C.29 |
Object Name |
Medallion |
Title |
Wedgwood Anti-Slavery Medallion |
Artist |
Hackwood, William |
School |
Wedgwood |
Date |
ca. 1787 |
Description |
Blue, round, ceramic jasperware medallion with a kneeling figure in bas-relief at the center. The figure's wrists and ankles are bound with a length of chain, and he holds his hands upwards in a pleading gesture. "AM I NOT A MAN AND A BROTHER." is inscribed in bas-relief around the outer perimeter. Unsigned and undated. |
Label |
The APS holds two Wedgwood anti-slavery medallions, one of which was likely owned by Benjamin Franklin. Depicting a chained, kneeling slave, and inscribed "Am I Not a Man and a Brother?", these medallions were most frequently seen in black on white jasper dip (see B / F 85). Other colors, such as this blue and white version, may reflect the desire for the medallion to be a fashion statement as well as a political one. English ceramics manufacturer Josiah Wedgwood, who was also a committee member of the Society for the Suppression of the Slave Trade, sent a package of medallions to Benjamin Franklin in 1788 for distribution in the United States. Franklin, a former slave owner turned fervent abolitionist, realized the power of such an image for the anti-slavery movement. He replied to Wedgwood, "I am persuaded it may have an Effect equal to that of the best written Pamphlet, in procuring Favour to those oppressed People." |
Medium |
Ceramic jasperware |
Dimensions |
H-1.25 W-1.125 inches |
Dimension Details |
Oval |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society |
Search Terms |
18th century eighteenth century slavery Founding Father |