ROBERT HICKS (English, active 1800-1836). The Slave and the Young Girl, early-1800s, Alternative title: "The African Prince." Black-and white stipple engraving apparently after the artwork by Henry Thomson, R.A. (British, 1773-1843) which is a powerful piece of abolitionist propaganda. Published in London by Fisher, Son & Co, the engraving likely illustrates a scene from the highly popular poem "The Negro Boy's Tale" (1803) by the British poet Amelia Alderson Opie (1769-1853), who was an ardent abolitionist. He is depicted with eyes cast upward, hands clasped together near his chest in a posture of prayer, supplication, or deep emotional distress. She stands close to him, looking at him with an expression of pity, sympathy, and concern. Unframed. - Image: 8 x 6.25 inches Estimate $100-120
