Jacob Lawrence: The American Struggle

Jacob Lawrence’s Struggle series (1954–56) represents the American Revolution and early history of the Republic. The first-ever museum display of these small-scale panels pairs them with works by contemporary artists including Derrick Adams and Bethany Collins. Find out more from the Peabody Essex Museum’s website.

Preview the exhibition below | View Apollo’s Art Diary here

…is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? — Patrick Henry, 1775 (1954), Panel 1 from Struggle: From the History of the American People (1954–56), Jacob Lawrence. Photo: Bob Packert/PEM; © The Jacob and Gwendolyn Lawrence Foundation, Seattle/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.

I alarmed almost every house till I got to Lexington – Paul Revere (1954), Panel 4 from Struggle: From the History of the American People (1954–56). © The Jacob and Gwendolyn Lawrence Foundation, Seattle/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.

In all your intercourse with the natives, treat them in the most friendly and conciliatory manner which their own conduct will admit . . . —Jefferson to Lewis & Clark, 1803 (1954), Panel 9 from Struggle: From the History of the American People (1954–56), Jacob Lawrence. Photo: Bob Packert/PEM; © The Jacob and Gwendolyn Lawrence Foundation, Seattle/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.

Listen, Father! The Americans have not yet defeated us by land; neither are we sure they have done so by water—we therefore wish to remain here and fight our enemy . . . —Tecumseh to the British, Tippecanoe, 1811 (1954), Panel 21 from Struggle: From the History of the American People (1954–56), Jacob Lawrence. Photo: Bob Packert/PEM; © The Jacob and Gwendolyn Lawrence Foundation, Seattle/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.