Unidentified
“Am I Not a Man and a Brother” Jug
c. 1820
Physical Qualities
Glazed earthenware, transfer printing, copper lustre, 4 3/8 x 5 1/2 x 4 in. (11.1 x 14 x 10.2 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Arthur J. Gutman, Baltimore
Object Number
2000.189
“Am Not I a Man and a Brother?” asks an enslaved individual, pointing to his chains. Abolitionists in both England and the United States campaigned against slavery by distributing pamphlets, boycotting products made by enslaved labor, and using objects with anti-slavery messages to spark discussion in homes and taverns. The golden band and handle of this pitcher reference the poem by William Cowper (English, 1731–1800) on the opposite face, which scorns slaveowners as “Slaves of gold, whose sordid dealings/Tarnish all your boasted powers.” Maryland’s abolitionist society was founded in 1789.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 2000; Mrs. Arthur B. Gutman, Baltimore, MD
Baltimore Museum of Art, "New on View", June 19-October 6, 2002.
Inscribed: No maker's mark. Inscriptions: 'AM NOT I/A MAN AND/A BROTHER' 'THE NEGROS/ Fleecy locks and black complexion./ Cannot forfeit nature's claim/ Skins may differ but affection/ Dwells in white and black the same./ Slaves of gold whose sordid dealings/ Tarnish all you boasted powers./ Prove that you have human feelings/ Ere you boadly questions ours/ COMPLAINT'
Maker
Unidentified
On View: American Wing Second Floor, Scott 06
