The Slave in Chains
Who painted it? Who is the African in the picture and why was it painted?
Over the years, the painting has been attributed to many artists including the Thomas Barker of Bath (1769-1847). However recent research doubts such claims.
During the time that the picture was painting in around 1827, the subject matter of an enslaved African would have been controversial. Slavery had yet to be abolished in Parliament and the painting would have drawn attention to the plight of the many enslaved Africans in Britain.
The Act for the abolition of the slave trade was passed in 1807. This made the trading in human beings against the law, but slavery still existed and continued until 1833 when it was finally abolished.
A similar painting is found...
The only clue that we have in tracking the artist down is from a catalogue description from a similar painting exhibited in the London Royal Academy in 1827. This painting was by John Phillip Simpson (1782-1847) with the title, 'The Captive Slave. But Ah! What wish can prosper or what prayer for merchants rich in cargoes of despair'.
Maybe John Philip Simpson painted both versions of the painting?
The truth behind the painting is yet to be uncovered.
