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Study for Freeing of the Slaves by John Steuart Curry
Photo CreditCarol M. Highsmith Photography
Study for Freeing of the Slaves
Photo CreditCarol M. Highsmith Photography

Study for Freeing of the Slaves

Artist
Yearc.1935
Classification painting
Dimensions21" x 38 1/2"
Credits New Deal Art Program
Fine Arts Collection
U.S. General Services Administration
Location
  • The watercolor study is the initial design for the murals at the Department of Justice.  This study was rejected.  Curry submitted two other watercolors paintings (Law Versus Mob Rule and Westward Migration) that were accepted. The original assignment for the Department of Justice commission was to create a mural depicting freedom of the slaves and welcoming of the immigrants from Europe. Curry's original sketch was rejected. The committee changed the theme to "What Law has done for Man." Curry's completed mural depicts the haphazard meeting of justice in still unformed communities.


    In 1942, Curry created a mural for the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Law School based on the sketches for the rejected 1936 mural.