Jacob Lawrence: The American Struggle

Peabody Essex Museum, Salem

NOW CLOSED

he summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country. —Thomas Paine, 1776 (1954), Panel 7 from Struggle: From the History of the American People (1954–56), Jacob Lawrence Photo: Greg Staley; © The Jacob and Gwendolyn Lawrence Foundation, Seattle/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.

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.