A Bit of War History: The Contraband 1865

"A Bit of War History: The Contraband" by Thomas Waterman Wood is a poignant depiction of a freed slave in the aftermath of the American Civil War. Created in 1865, the painting captures the moment when a Black man, likely a former contraband, stands in the doorway of a building marked "Provost Marshal's Office," possibly a post-war assistance center. The man is holding a bag of possessions, a testament to his newfound freedom and the hardships he has endured. This oil-on-canvas artwork, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides a glimpse into the lives of African Americans during this pivotal period in American history, highlighting themes of emancipation, resilience, and the complexities of a nation in transition.