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FREDERICK DOUGLASS AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY

In 2018 I was commissioned to paint Frederick Douglass as part of his 200th Anniversary but I’ve been at this for over 50 years now, having started my first drawings of Martin Luther King in 1967.

Frederick Douglass always fascinated me and in particular the Irish connection with this incredible man who escaped slavery and would go on to be a great statesman of the world.

Finding Freedom in Ireland

Douglass’ friends and mentors feared that the publicity (from his published book and public speaking) would draw the attention of his ex-owner, Hugh Auld, who might try to get his “property” back. They encouraged Douglass to tour Ireland, as many former slaves had done.

Douglass set sail on the Cambria for Liverpool on August 16, 1845. He traveled in Ireland as the Irish Potato Famine was beginning.

The feeling of freedom from American racial discrimination amazed Douglass:
Eleven days and a half gone and I have crossed three thousand miles of the perilous deep. Instead of a democratic government, I am under a monarchical government. Instead of the bright, blue sky of America, I am covered with the soft, grey fog of the Emerald Isle [Ireland]. I breathe, and lo! the chattel [slave] becomes a man. I gaze around in vain for one who will question my equal humanity, claim me as his slave, or offer me an insult. I employ a cab—I am seated beside white people—I reach the hotel—I enter the same door—I am shown into the same parlour—I dine at the same table—and no one is offended … I find myself regarded and treated at every turn with the kindness and deference paid to white people. When I go to church, I am met by no upturned nose and scornful lip to tell me, ‘We don’t allow niggers in here!’
-Frederick Douglass

-Taken from Wikipedia

Check out my blog posts on these American Revolutionaries!

Blog post 1

Blog post 2