The artwork titled “First Colored Senator and Representatives in the 41st and 42nd Congress of the United States” was created by Currier and Ives in 1872. It belongs to the Romanticism movement and is a portrait genre piece. Currier and Ives were known for their prints that captured various aspects of American life during the 19th century.
The image depicts seven notable figures, who were the first African American members of the United States Congress during the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. These men were symbols of progress in a time when African Americans were fighting for recognition and equal rights. The men are portrayed in a dignified manner, dressed in formal attire of the era, suggesting their status and the significance of their accomplishments. In the portrait, they are all looking directly towards the viewer, providing a sense of engagement. Their expressions are serious, reflecting the gravity of their roles and the historical importance of their election to the American legislature.