Emancipation

1865
Emancipation, drawing by Thomas Nast
Emancipation, drawing by Thomas Nast

 

This drawing by famous Civil War illustrator, Thomas Nast, depicts the positive effects of Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. On the left are depictions of African-American life before emancipation. On the right are depictions of what life will be like after emancipation. In the middle, an African-American family enjoys the peace and happiness of freedom, with Lincoln's portrait underneath.