There are many reasons why Susan Sedgwick would paint a portrait of Elizabeth Freeman. Elizabeth was a respected “member” of the Sedgwick family and perhaps, this is why Susan Ridley Sedgwick chose to paint Elizabeth. She was very close to her since she helped raise Susan’s kids, but she also respected Elizabeth. Elizabeth was one of the first female slaves to be set free from slavery in America.[35] This amazing accomplishment definitely encouraged Susan to create a portrait of Elizabeth. Elizabeth also lived and died an American heroine, making her worthy of getting her portrait painted. Our country is lucky to have such a remarkable recording of a person of such historic stature. It is truly remarkable that Susan decided to paint a portrait of Elizabeth Freeman at this particular and pivotal moment in early American history which makes this painting so significant. This portrait documents and symbolizes a major historic shift toward the freeing of slaves from bondage begun by Elizabeth’s Freeman’s individual courage.
Elizabeth Freeman was an extraordinary and inspirational woman, who definitely deserved to have a portrait painted of herself. She was of the most important exemplars of African Americans who challenged their racial inequality during this time.[36] Elizabeth Freeman was even considered the Rosa Parks of her time for her astonishing bravery.[37] Many African Americans had tried to go to court to fight for their freedom, but Elizabeth Freeman was one of the first to actually go to the court and obtain her freedom under the law to then then set a path for others.[38] Elizabeth’s case acted as a precedent into the movement for the abolishment of slavery in Massachusetts.[39] Her case also acted as a precedent for the more well-known Quok Walker case that extended freedom to all the enslaved people in Massachusetts.[40] Besides her case helping trigger the abolishment of slavery, Elizabeth Freeman is a very significant figure in history in other ways, too. She is still remembered today and when people go to visit the Ashley House, visitors hear more about Elizabeth, the slave who had the courage to stand up to one of the most powerful men in town. She is also included in an African American Heritage Trail and the star of a “Mumbet Day Celebration.”[41] In the 1990s, two woman’s centers merged together and was named the “Elizabeth Freeman Center” to honor a woman “who “stands in” to represent all women who struggle for a better life.”[42] Many people were inspired by Elizabeth. Charles Sedgwick composed the inscription on her gravestone, which read, “She was born a slave and remained a slave for nearly thirty years. She could neither read nor write yet in her own sphere she had no superior nor equal. She neither wasted time nor property. She never violated a trust nor failed to perform a duty. In every situation of domestic trial, she was the most efficient helper and the tendest friend. Good mother farewell. Theodore Sedgwick mentioned Elizabeth in his antislavery lecture and Catherine Sedgwick, a famous novelist in her time, wrote about her also.[43] Elizabeth Freeman was an inspirational person who changed so many people’s lives in so many ways and most notably initiated the end of slavery in Massachusetts.
Elizabeth Freeman was an extraordinary and inspirational woman, who definitely deserved to have a portrait painted of herself. She was of the most important exemplars of African Americans who challenged their racial inequality during this time.[36] Elizabeth Freeman was even considered the Rosa Parks of her time for her astonishing bravery.[37] Many African Americans had tried to go to court to fight for their freedom, but Elizabeth Freeman was one of the first to actually go to the court and obtain her freedom under the law to then then set a path for others.[38] Elizabeth’s case acted as a precedent into the movement for the abolishment of slavery in Massachusetts.[39] Her case also acted as a precedent for the more well-known Quok Walker case that extended freedom to all the enslaved people in Massachusetts.[40] Besides her case helping trigger the abolishment of slavery, Elizabeth Freeman is a very significant figure in history in other ways, too. She is still remembered today and when people go to visit the Ashley House, visitors hear more about Elizabeth, the slave who had the courage to stand up to one of the most powerful men in town. She is also included in an African American Heritage Trail and the star of a “Mumbet Day Celebration.”[41] In the 1990s, two woman’s centers merged together and was named the “Elizabeth Freeman Center” to honor a woman “who “stands in” to represent all women who struggle for a better life.”[42] Many people were inspired by Elizabeth. Charles Sedgwick composed the inscription on her gravestone, which read, “She was born a slave and remained a slave for nearly thirty years. She could neither read nor write yet in her own sphere she had no superior nor equal. She neither wasted time nor property. She never violated a trust nor failed to perform a duty. In every situation of domestic trial, she was the most efficient helper and the tendest friend. Good mother farewell. Theodore Sedgwick mentioned Elizabeth in his antislavery lecture and Catherine Sedgwick, a famous novelist in her time, wrote about her also.[43] Elizabeth Freeman was an inspirational person who changed so many people’s lives in so many ways and most notably initiated the end of slavery in Massachusetts.