Symposium—Fictions of Emancipation: Carpeaux Recast, Session 1

Join a panel of scholars for a symposium that examines Western sculpture in relation to the histories of transatlantic slavery, colonialism, and empire.

Presented in conjunction with the exhibition “Fictions of Emancipation: Carpeaux Recast.”

Session One: Looking at Slavery

The following presentations explore the complexities that arise through acts of witnessing and representing slavery.

Introductory Remarks

• Heidi Holder, Frederick P. And Sandra P. Rose Chair of Education
• Sarah Lawrence, Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Curator in Charge, European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
• Elyse Nelson, Assistant Curator, European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
• Wendy S. Walters, Associate Professor of Writing and Director of Nonfiction, Columbia University and Guest Curator

Bearing Witness: Fictions of Abolition

Sarah Thomas, Director, Centre for Museum Cultures, and Senior Lecturer, History of Art, Birkbeck, University of London

Speak, Mammary

Farah Peterson, Professor of Law, The University of Chicago Law School

Carpeaux and the Erotics of Slavery

David Bindman, Emeritus Durning-Lawrence Professor of the History of Art, University College London, and Visiting Fellow, Hutchins Center for African and African American Research, Harvard University

Discussion

Chaired by Natasha Lightfoot, Associate Professor, Department of History, Columbia University

Original Air Date: Thursday, April 28, 2022

The symposium is made possible by Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lockwood Chilton, Jr.

“Fictions of Emancipation: Carpeaux Recast” is on view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 521, Wrightsman Exhibition Gallery, through March 5, 2023.