Created by
Clark, Claude Sr., American, 1915 - 2001
Subject of
Unidentified Man or Men
Date
1946
Medium
oil with wax on paperboard
Dimensions
H x W x D (Framed): 39 5/8 × 18 × 1 in. (100.6 × 45.7 × 2.5 cm)
Caption
Claude Clark’s The Poet II is a visual homage to the thousands of African American men imprisoned under the forced labor system called the chain gang. Sanctioned by the state, the chain gang was used throughout the South for building projects such as roads and railroads. The system flourished during the 1920s and 1930s and was renowned for its inhumane work conditions and brutal corporal punishments. As evidenced in the painting, chain gang convicts were required to wear striped uniforms and ankle shackles to prevent escape. Members of the gang would often sing in rhythmic call-and-response verse to alleviate the monotony of their work, to help them work in tandem with one another, and as a creative outlet to express the pain and injustice they endured.
Description
An oil painting on paperboard depicting a man in a prison jumpsuit playing a guitar under pine trees. The man stands with his left foot propped up on a rock, his feet bare. A large ball and chain is attached to his right ankle. He wears a white jumpsuit with wide blue stripes. Tall pine trees are behind him with white clouds and blue sky visible between them. The man’s hair appears red. There are no brushstrokes; the paint has been applied using a palette knife. In the bottom right corner is the artist's signature [C. Clark].
Place made
Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Visual Arts
Type
oil paintings
Topic
Art
Instrumentalists (Musicians)
Labor
Music
Nature
Prisons
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Robert Booker
Object number
2018.92
Restrictions & Rights
© Estate of Claude Clark
Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd528c78923-bbc6-4d8c-87cc-d9098b6ee85b

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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