The Scourged Back c. 1863

mcphersonoliver

photo of handprinted image

toned paper

wedding photograph

yellowing background

photo restoration

portrait reference

coffee painting

19th century

portrait art

fine art portrait

"The Scourged Back" (c. 1863) is a powerful photograph by McPherson & Oliver that depicts a Black man's back scarred from whipping. This image, likely taken during the American Civil War, is a stark reminder of the brutality of slavery. The close-up framing of the man's back emphasizes the physical suffering inflicted upon him. The photograph's historical context and the graphic imagery it presents serve as a poignant testament to the fight against injustice and the enduring legacy of slavery in the United States.