Charles Willson Peale
Yarrow Mamout, an African American Muslim who won his freedom from slavery, was reputedly 140 years old in 1819 when Charles Willson Peale painted this portrait for display in his Philadelphia Museum. Although Peale learned this was a miscalculation, the story of 83-year-old Yarrow (c. 1736–1823), a native of the West African country of Guinea who was literate in Arabic, was still remarkable. As Peale noted, Yarrow was “comfortable in his Situation having Bank stock and [he] lives in his own house.”
A rare representation of ethnic and religious diversity in early America, and an outstanding example of Peale’s late naturalistic style, the picture is distinguished by the direct and sympathetic encounter between the artist and his subject and the skilled rendering of the details of physiognomy and age. Yarrow’s knit cap suggests a kufi, a hat traditionally worn by African Muslim men to assert their religion or African identity, but Peale artfully employs its yellow band to highlight his steady gaze with its glint of humor and wisdom.
Peasle was 77 years old when he created this portrait; he was seeking a record of the personal traits that he believed supported a long life. In his writings and museum displays Peale celebrated making wise choices to maintain good health and a positive attitude, and he perceived Yarrow’s perseverance through his difficult life as a model of resourcefulness, industriousness, sobriety, and an unwillingness to become dispirited.
With this painting we continue the celebrations of the Black History Month. Because of copyrights, it's difficult for us to present as many black artists as we wish in the app (though we try to do our best!); please check out our DailyArt Magazine. : )
BTW, in the Shop you will find our paper DailyArt Calendars for 2021 for -40%, don't miss them!
P.S. Here's a story of Harriet Powers, a black female folk artist who regained her glory! <3