Stedman - 5 Engravings of Native People or Costumes

Stedman - 5 Engravings of Native People or Costumes
This engraving is from John Gabriel Stedman's Narrative of a five years' expedition against the revolted negroes of Surinam or Voyage a Suriname, et dans l'Interieur de la Guiane.... This is from the second edition in French which was published in 1799 in Paris by Chez F. Buisson. Sixteen of the plates were completed by William Blake, but most were after Stedman's original drawings.

Stedman was born in the Netherlands and became a member of the Scots Brigade, a Scottish mercanery troop established to help protect its constitutional interests. In 1772, he volunteered on a mission to subdue the insurgents in Dutch Guiana. The work available is from his experiences during his years in Surinam as a soldier.

Stedman's work took a strong anti-slavery stance, and described the cruelties practiced on the slaves, and shows the moral deterioration of their masters. Noted of the work: “Most impressive however, and very modern, are his vivid descriptions of the brutal treatment of the negroes, and his enlightened reflections upon the moral perversions of the slave-owners, leading him to pronounce the strongest possible indictment against slavery ever raised… His observations gave rise to a storm of protest in liberal Europe…” (Abbey, Travel, 719)

The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.
~ 12" by 9"