For over a century, a family portrait held a secret: a fourth figure, an enslaved person, was painted out. The Metropolitan Museum of Art acquired this 19th-century portrait, shedding light on the erasure of Black figures in American history. Art collector Jeremy K. Simien discovered it and embarked on a journey to reveal its history. The painting was initially neglected by museums, but after years of research and restoration, it revealed the figure's identity as Bélizaire. The painting now resides at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, highlighting the importance of uncovering hidden stories in art.
Sure, here are the key facts extracted from the provided text:
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art acquired a 19th-century portrait that realistically portrays an enslaved person.
2. Jeremy K. Simien, an art collector, discovered the painting, which was initially unsigned but believed to be by Jacques Amans.
3. The painting originally had an enslaved child figure that had been covered up.
4. Eugene Grasser's family had a story about the favorite slave being painted in the picture but later painted out.
5. The painting was donated to the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) but was placed in storage for 32 years.
6. There was institutional neglect regarding the painting's display and preservation.
7. The painting was eventually sold at auction for $6,000 and underwent restoration to reveal the hidden figure.
8. Katy Shannon, a researcher, identified the enslaved boy as Bélizaire through historical records.
9. Bélizaire was sold to Evergreen Plantation and had been painted out, possibly during the early 20th century.
10. The Metropolitan Museum of Art acquired the painting for its permanent collection.
These facts provide a concise summary of the text's main points without including opinions.