Prince Simbo

Prince Simbo

Unidentified Artist United States
Late 18th century Paper on fabric 2020.16
Friends of the Museum Purchase

Sometimes the mere ownership of a likeness was an expression of power. Such might be the case for Prince Simbo, a veteran of the American Revolution and a free man of color. Although this piece is not a large oil on canvas likeness, it was more than most free Blacks owned. This silhouette brings Simbo closer to a status not often held by others who looked like him. This silhouette helped to give Simbo agency.