Edward Livingston 1824 - 1827

Anson Dickinson captured Edward Livingston in a miniature portrait, a popular form in the early 19th century when elites often had their likeness taken. Livingston was a complex figure: a lawyer, a U.S. Representative and Senator, and later Secretary of State under President Andrew Jackson. But his legacy is deeply entangled with slavery. As a representative of Louisiana, he defended the institution, advocating for laws that further entrenched racial inequality. He played a crucial role in shaping the legal framework that upheld slavery. Looking at this intimate portrait today, we are confronted with the uncomfortable reality of how power and privilege were historically intertwined with the perpetuation of injustice. The emotional weight of this piece resides in its quiet acknowledgement of the past, asking us to consider the ethical implications of Livingston's actions and their continued impact on society.