Let My People Go 1939

"Let My People Go" is a 1939 painting by African American artist Aaron Douglas. This work, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a striking example of the Harlem Renaissance art movement. The painting's stylized figures, bold colors, and geometric forms express the struggles and aspirations of African Americans during this period of social and cultural awakening. The title itself is a reference to the biblical story of Moses, a powerful symbol of liberation and a call for freedom. Douglas's use of geometric shapes and flat planes, infused with a sense of dynamism, creates a strong visual impact. The work evokes a sense of both hardship and hope, reflecting the complexities of the Black experience in America.