Taboo

Currently not on view

Taboo

1963

Jacob Lawrence (American, 1917–2000)

Throughout his career, Lawrence demonstrated a passionate interest in African American history and in his people’s collective struggle for racial equality. Painted in vibrant colors, Taboo exemplifies the artist’s planar style and his lifelong concern for civil rights and justice. The two pairs of newlyweds are posed in the manner of a traditional wedding portrait. However, as the title indicates, Lawrence’s couples have had to overcome the obstacles of legal and societal censure, breaking the taboo against marrying outside of their race.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Taboo

Date:

1963

Artist:

Jacob Lawrence (American, 1917–2000)

Medium:

Tempera on hardboard

Dimensions:

27 3/4 x 31 7/8 inches (70.5 x 81 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

125th Anniversary Acquisition. Gift of the Zelda and Josef Jaffe Family, 2002

Accession Number:

2002-85-1

Geography:

Made in United States, North and Central America

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Currently not on view