Illustration of Two African Americans Conversing
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No requestable containers
Scope and Contents
This collection consists of an original pencil sketch measuring 6.5 x 5 inches, depicting two African Americans engaged in conversation. One of the figures holds what appears to be a U.S. flag, while additional subjects are visible in the background. The scene likely captures a moment following the departure of Union troops, with formerly enslaved individuals collecting discarded materials. The sketch was possibly created during or shortly after the Civil War by an artist working in the field, potentially for publication.
Dates
- Creation: ca 1863
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations. Due to the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access to certain materials may require additional advance notice.
Conditions Governing Use
Researchers are responsible for using the materials in conformance with United States copyright law as well as any donor restrictions accompanying the materials. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright claimants in collection materials. Copyright for official University records is held by The University of Alabama. The library claims only physical ownership of many manuscript collections. Anyone wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of literary property rights or copyrights. Please contact Special Collections (archives@ua.edu) with questions regarding specific manuscript collections.
For more information about copyright policy, please visit: https://www.ua.edu/copyright/. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.
Researchers are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable living individuals without the consent of those individuals may have legal implications, for which the University of Alabama assumes no responsibility.
Biographical / Historical
During and after the Civil War, numerous artists and illustrators documented the experiences of formerly enslaved individuals and the changing social landscape of the United States. Many of these sketches were produced for newspapers and periodicals, providing contemporary audiences with visual narratives of emancipation and its aftermath. The depiction of African Americans in Union-occupied areas reflects the transitional period between slavery and freedom, illustrating their resilience and agency in defining their new lives. This sketch serves as a historical artifact, offering insight into the lived experiences of African Americans during this transformative era.
Extent
1.17 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The University of Alabama Libraries acquired the Illustration of Two African Americans Conversing from Max Rambod Rare Books in 2024.
Physical Description
6.5 x 5 inches. A few light folds, some smudging, top edge affixed to mount and matted. In very good condition.
Processing Information
Processed by Courtney Tutt, MArch 2025.
- Title
- Guide to the Illustration of Two African Americans Conversing
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Finding aid created by Courtney Tutt, March 2025.
- Date
- March 2025
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the The University of Alabama Libraries Special Collections Repository