Historical Illustration: Print of Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglass

Historical Illustration: Print of Frederick Douglass

c. 1879

Historical Illustration

The Smithsonian Institution presents an 1879 historical illustration, published in Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, that depicts Frederick Douglass--a formerly enslaved African American, who became known for his prominent role in the abolitionist movement as well as for his speeches and writing against the institution of slavery--sitting at a desk in an office while reading a newspaper with his legs crossed and looking to the right. The captions read "No. 7.--Our Artistic Correspondent interviewing Frederick Douglass in the District Marshal's Office, Washington, D.C." and "Illustrated interviews with Eminent Public Men on Leading Topics of the Day.--see Page 258, 1879."

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Smithsonian Institution

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