Liberty Displaying the Arts and Sciences by Samuel Jennings. An allegorical female figure representing Liberty presents symbols of the arts and sciences to a group of Black figures in front of the Temple of Wisdom.

Liberty Displaying the Arts and Sciences

Samuel Jennings

1791 · Oil Paint, Canvas

A striking 18th-century allegorical oil painting depicting Liberty and the pursuit of knowledge.

$243

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From $129

1 frame size

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Where it works

A grounded artwork with confident presence with warm wood and umber notes — brings a composed sense of weight.

Often works in
Library · Study · Living Room
Placement
Reads best above substantial furniture or an open wall
Walls
Reads strongest on light or mid-tone walls
Color notes
Rich brown, Charcoal black, Soft gray

About the piece

Painted in 1791 by Samuel Jennings, this oil study serves as a powerful abolitionist allegory. The work depicts Liberty surrounded by symbols of human achievement—including a globe, palette, and lyre—as she encourages the emancipation of enslaved people, offering a vision of intellectual and social progress centered around the 'Temple of Wisdom.'

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