Madame Delphine's 1882

Joseph Pennell created "Madame Delphine's" using etching, a process that dates back to the Middle Ages and was popular among American artists in the late 19th century. This piece depicts a building known as Madame Delphine’s, and likely references Madame Delphine LaLaurie, a New Orleans socialite known for mistreating and torturing her household slaves. While Pennell was celebrated for his etchings of architectural landmarks, here, the choice of subject matter adds layers of complexity. The artist presents viewers with a seemingly ordinary street scene, one that belies the history of racial violence and oppression associated with the building. Pennell was a product of his time, but "Madame Delphine's" challenges us to consider how art can confront uncomfortable aspects of our shared past. How do we balance the aesthetic qualities of art with the difficult narratives they may represent?