The Slave Market

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The Slave Market

Gustave Boulanger, circa 1882

Oil on canvas

Private Collection

The Slave Market is a painting by 19th century artist Gustave Boulanger. It depicts a Roman slave auction and appears to be intended to show the horror, and perhaps the erotic aspects, of the idea of human beings being for sale. It shows the marketing of seven young people, ranging in age from children to young adults, as slaves. All three male slaves, as well as two of the female slaves, bear a similarity in appearance perhaps suggesting that they are members of a family forced into slavery by economic conditions. All are wearing tags to indicate their availability as slaves. The taller, standing, young woman is wearing a translucent garment which clearly shows her breasts and pubic hair--she is trying to shield her eyes, perhaps because her potential buyers include former friends and neighbors, who are probably seeing her nude for the first time. The auctioneer adds to the sense of horror with his very casual attitude.