Africa, the arrival of Europeans and the transatlantic slave trade

Fabric, Le Traite des Negres

Designed by Frederic Etienne Joseph Feldtrappe, after George Morland (Active c. 1820s-c. 1830s), 1800-1817
Roller-printed cotton, handquilted in running stitch

Object number T.2003.54
Purchased, 2002

See this object at The Whitworth Art Gallery, The University of Manchester This object may not always be on display. Please check with the venue before visiting.

Fabric, Le Traite des Negres

The design of this roller-printed cotton is based on engravings of two paintings by George Morland known as ‘Slave Trade' and ‘African Hospitality'. It was produced to rally support in France for the abolition of the slave trade and intended for display in the home. Only two years after it was produced in 1800, Napoleon reinstated the institution of slavery in France and her dominions after it had been abolished by the revolutionary National Convention in 1794.

Certain elements of the design, such as the full depiction of the slave ship, the boatful of prisoners being rowed out to the ship and the scenes of African people at leisure, have been added to the Morland scenes by the designer, Frédéric Feldtrappe. These emphasise the narrative of African innocence and European responsibility for the destruction of their utopia.

This information was provided by curators from The Whitworth Art Gallery.