Study for Master William Wilberforce 1824

John Linnell created this pencil sketch titled "Study for Master William Wilberforce." Linnell, emerging as an artist during the Romantic era, lived in a time of immense social and political transformation, particularly regarding abolition. William Wilberforce was a politician and philanthropist who campaigned for the abolition of slavery in Britain. Although his efforts led to the Slave Trade Act of 1807, slavery wasn't fully abolished until 1833, shortly before his death. This sketch, likely a study for a more formal portrait, captures a sense of innocence. But it also situates the young Master Wilberforce within a complex history of power, privilege, and moral responsibility. While the image is simple, it serves as a potent reminder of how deeply entwined individual lives are with broader historical narratives. It causes me to consider how this child will come to terms with his family’s legacy.