James Monroe 1819

Samuel Morse painted this portrait of James Monroe with oil on canvas. Morse's artistic career was intertwined with his deep, pro-slavery convictions; in 1840 he wrote "My Creed," which advocated for the entrenchment of slavery. In this portrait, Monroe is presented as a man of austere authority, his gaze resolute, set against a somber backdrop. The composition reflects the conventions of portraying leaders, emphasizing strength and dignity. Yet, this representation obscures the complexities of Monroe’s legacy as a slave owner. The painting invites reflection on whose stories are told and how power dynamics influence historical narratives. As you gaze upon this image, consider the uncomfortable truths it conceals and the ongoing struggle to reconcile the contradictions of our past.