333 images (or so)

Flagellation of a Female Samboe Slave, 1796, William Blake from Narrative of a Five Years Expedition against the Revolted Negroes of Surinam As these images became more elegant, they also make clear comparisons to Angelica or Andromeda—virtuous targets of heroic rescue.  But also, of course, sado-erotic pinup girls. (Now: why focus on torture as opposed to service or auctions?  I think the abolitionist logic was that torture scenes like these were shocking, whereas most of their audience had already seen slaves being working and/or being sold.  But those themes come back later on.)

Flagellation of a Female Samboe Slave, 1796, William Blake

from Narrative of a Five Years Expedition against the Revolted Negroes of Surinam

As these images became more elegant, they also make clear comparisons to Angelica or Andromeda—virtuous targets of heroic rescue.  But also, of course, sado-erotic pinup girls.

(Now: why focus on torture as opposed to service or auctions?  I think the abolitionist logic was that torture scenes like these were shocking, whereas most of their audience had already seen slaves being working and/or being sold.  But those themes come back later on.)

20 June 2010 • slavery whipping torture wrists overhead fig leaf Mf etching 1700s