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The Power of Music, 1847 (oil on canvas)
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The Power of Music, 1847 (oil on canvas)
500148 The Power of Music, 1847 (oil on canvas)
by Mount, William Sidney (1807-68); 67x78 (framed) 43.4x53.5 (unframed) cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, OH, USA; (add.info.: Set in rural Long Island before the Civil War, this scene of an African American laborer eavesdropping on a fiddle tune suggests the divisive race relations in America at the time. While a love of music connects the men and acknowledges their common humanity, they nevertheless occupy different spaces. The barn door that separates the labourer likely serves as a symbolic reminder that he lacked the political rights and social privileges of the group of white men inside.); Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund; American, out of copyright
Media ID 22405252
© Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund / Bridgeman Images
African American Barn Eavesdropping Labourers Listening Singer Stables Stool Violin Labourer
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The Power of Music, 1847
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating oil painting by William Sidney Mount that beautifully captures the complexities of race relations in America during the pre-Civil War era. Set against the backdrop of rural Long Island, this thought-provoking scene depicts an African American laborer eavesdropping on a fiddle tune being played by a group of white men. The power of music becomes evident as it connects these individuals and acknowledges their shared humanity. However, despite this connection, they remain separated by physical and social barriers. The barn door symbolically represents the divide between them, reminding us of the political rights and social privileges denied to the African American laborer. Mount's attention to detail is remarkable - from the expressions on each character's face to their body language. The laborer leans against his axe with curiosity and longing in his eyes, while the musicians stand confidently together inside. A musician seated on a stool plays skillfully on his violin, captivating both those within earshot and our gaze as viewers. This painting serves as a poignant reminder of America's troubled past and highlights how art can shed light on historical injustices. It prompts us to reflect upon how far we have come in terms of racial equality while acknowledging that there is still work to be done. "The Power of Music" reminds us that even amidst division, music has an incredible ability to bridge gaps and bring people together across boundaries created by society.
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