The artwork titled “Portrait of Nat Turner with the Head of his Master” was created by Kerry James Marshall in 2011. This oil painting falls under the Expressionism art movement and measures 91.4 by 74.9 centimeters. It is categorized as a portrait and is displayed at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
The artwork captures a somber and powerful scene set within an interior space. The dark-skinned figure, likely representing Nat Turner, is positioned prominently in the foreground, holding an axe. He is depicted wearing a loose-fitting, dark garment. Behind him, a blood-stained bed and a decapitated head resting on a pillow contribute to the narrative’s intensity. The use of color is stark and dramatic, utilizing a somewhat muted palette that conveys the gravity and emotional depth of the subject matter. The composition effectively utilizes chiaroscuro to highlight the figure’s features against the dimly lit room, enhancing the overall sense of tension and foreboding.
