Frederick Douglass painted in broad brushstrokes shoulders up

Elizabeth Peyton

Frederick Douglass, 1850

€1,000

Artwork

Sold out

Love this work?

Subscribe to get notified about any cancellations and early access on next releases.

With an edition of silkscreen prints, Elizabeth Peyton makes an emotive tribute to a seminal figure in the history of America.

In Frederick Douglass, 1850 (2020), Peyton renders the titular American abolitionist, orator and writer from the neck up. The intimate and closely-cropped scale emphasises the minimalism and physicality of her brushwork, and heightens the emotional intensity of her subject's expression. She builds up the contours of Douglass’s face from short, watery dabs of oil paint – lending the composition a sense of spirited lightness.

Peyton’s artwork has been meticulously translated into a 32-layer, limited edition silkscreen in close collaboration artisan printmakers at Make-Ready in London – one of a pair of editions launched in support of the National Portrait Gallery in London. Re-opening in June 2023, the Gallery's diversified collection focuses on presenting an inclusive and dynamic picture of the people who have contributed to the rich history of the United Kingdom.

Frederick Douglass, 1850, 2023, silkscreen print © Elizabeth Peyton

Go deeper

03:13

Behind the scenes

a black and white photograph of artist Elizabeth Peyton wearing a black jacket

Elizabeth Peyton 3 collaborationsElizabeth Peyton creates gestural, atmospheric paintings and works on paper that attest to the psychical and emotional depths of the people she paints. Her artworks map out delicate negotiations between beauty, desire, and the pictorial image. Peyton finds feeling in all that she depicts. Whether it's people from her own milieu or figures from history, literature, music or film, she always renders each scene with the intensity of her own particular humanism – a close and loving look at humanity. In each figure's uniqueness, she reveals the universal emotions that connect us to each other and to art, and which stretch from our present moment back through time.

Who else should know about this work?

Help us spread the word

Reviews from Avant collectors

I am extremely pleased with both the packaging and delivery of the piece. Your attention to detail in handling and packaging surpasses that of many galleries. Your commitment to respecting the artwork is truly commendable. Excellent job!
Review of Untitled
amazing 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
Review of HOPE (376-500)
I think the experience has been brilliant from start to finish
Review of HOPE (251-375)
Very well presented and with cert.
Review of Actual Size
AA always produces an amazing quality product; packaging and framing are always top notch as well!
Review of Prismatic Head Composition
simply one of the most well produced prints i have ever purchased. its absolutely beyond what i was expecting. so beautiful!!!
Review of Prismatic Head Composition
very happy with the artwork and service from Avante arte
Review of Guardian
very impressive package: gloves, certificate etc.
Review of Actual Size

Discover more print editions on Avant Arte

See all

Available

Grayson PerryMagical Thinking (Large)€20,200

Available

Linda DouniaFaux Letters€1,700

Draw

Jaume PlensaUTOPIA€1,500Closing on 29 July

Draw

Ahmed MaterHurriya€4,000Closing on 28 July