Slavery has existed in many societies throughout history as a system in which individuals were treated as property and forced to labor. Historical objects and artworks connected to this theme provide important insight into social hierarchies, economic systems, and the lived experiences of those affected by this institution.
Rather than depicting submission, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux presents a figure who resists her fate through posture and expression. The work immediately provokes emotional and moral reflection, compelling viewers to confront the horror of being enslaved.