Ornamental Separator

African American Watercolors

Preview three works, then discover their significance

At Colonial Williamsburg, we uncover stories through archaeology, journals, architectural clues, and of course, through art. Join us on Nov. 8 at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg for a fascinating opportunity to explore three unique historic watercolors featuring African Americans with paper conservator Pamela Young.

Here are the three pieces you can learn all about:

1.“The Old Plantation” is one of the earliest pieces in the folk art collection and one of the earliest depictions of enslaved African Americans involved in a leisure activity on their own time.
2.“Miss Breme Jones” is attributed to the same artist, and has a fascinating provenance and conservation treatment story Young will be sharing.
3.“Enslaved Girl” is a poignant image of a young slave girl later freed by her owner. It was painted by Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee who held a lifelong concern for the education of slaves.

Explore Related Topics

Learn More

What is Juneteenth?

4 Minute Read

Pilot of the Patriot

8 Minute Read

Related Events