The artwork titled “The Migration of the Negro, Panel 52” was created by the distinguished artist Jacob Lawrence in 1941. This piece, part of both the Cubism and Social Realism movements, is a genre painting that captures a poignant moment from the African American experience during the Great Migration.
In the artwork, Lawrence employs bold, flat colors and simplified forms to depict a scene of conflict and tension. The composition is dynamic, with figures intersecting and overlapping in a way that conveys movement and struggle. The predominant use of earthy tones, punctuated by brighter hues, enhances the intensity of the scene. The figures are stylized, with exaggerated postures that emphasize their actions and emotions, effectively communicating the broader social and historical context of the Great Migration. Through this piece, Lawrence not only illustrates a specific historical episode but also evokes broader themes of perseverance, resistance, and change.
