Reading the Scriptures 1874

"Reading the Scriptures" (1874) by Thomas Waterman Wood portrays a seated elderly Black man intently reading a book, likely the Bible, in a simple interior setting. The painting, which is now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a poignant portrayal of literacy and faith, themes that resonated with viewers in the post-Civil War era. Wood's realist style captures the man's focused expression and the quiet dignity of the scene, highlighting the importance of education and spirituality in the lives of formerly enslaved people. The painting's intimate scale and detailed depiction of the man's clothing and surroundings further enhance its sense of realism.