PORTRAIT OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS BY CLARKE HAMPTON.

PORTRAIT OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS BY CLARKE HAMPTON. Oil on canvas, signed lower left. A somewhat naive three-quarter length portrait of the great abolitionist and orator, who is holding a "Message to Pres. Lincoln". Although Douglass wrote to Lincoln on August 29, 1864, the document he is holding is more likely symbolic of the meeting between him and President Lincoln at the Whitehouse in July of 1863. At that meeting, Douglass pleaded with the President about the discrimination against black troops in the Union Army. Hampton (Ohio, born ca 1880, active 1897-1900 (or later)) was an African-American artist who lived and worked in Cincinnati. In 1897, the Cincinnati "Enquirer" wrote that Hampton's "ambition is to be able to complete a course in the Art School and then go to Europe, where, like Ira Aldridge and Edmonia Lewis, he may make a name that will be a credit to himself and an honor to his race." Trimmed and laid down on board, some inpainting. 48"h. 37"w. Painted frame. 51"h. 37"w.