Is The family of Elihu Yale and an Enslaved Child under copyright?

No, this artwork is in the public domain.

What topics does The family of Elihu Yale and an Enslaved Child explore?

british art, colonial era, family portrait, slavery, seventeenth century, yale university, baroque painting, elite household

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johannes verelst, jan verelst
The family of Elihu Yale and an Enslaved Child

The Family Of Elihu Yale And An Enslaved Child — Johannes Verelst, Jan Verelst

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johannes verelst, jan verelst

The family of Elihu Yale and an Enslaved Child

Acrylic On Canvas
WallArt
Baroque Realism
1719
201.0 x 235.0 cm
Yale Center for British Art

Johannes Verelst's 'Elihu Yale with Members of his Family and an Enslaved Child' portrays the wealthy Yale family alongside a servant boy, highlighting Britain’s involvement in transatlantic slavery and prompting reflection on representation.

Explore Johannes Verelst's captivating Dutch Golden Age portraits! Masterful realism, stunning detail & historical insight into 17th-century life. Discover his work at the Mauritshuis.

Hand Made Oil Reproduction

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White $1

Blurside $1

Extended $1

P118B $10

P118H $10

P118W $10

P438Z $10

P508JH $12

P508YH $12

P805H $10

P805Z $10

P919BZ $10

P919G $10

P919XJ $10

P959ZH $10

P968JZ $12

W106C $8

W218G $10

W218JH $8

W218Y $10

W307PJ $10

W316G $10

W316PJ $8

W316Y $10

W398PJ $8

W4111J $10

W500HY $15

W500JH $15

W692G $12

W849H $8

W940BG $15

W953PJ $8

H24-GOLD $40

H24-SILVER $40

H36-GOLD $60

H36-SILVER $60

Framed

Description from JS

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You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the painting with additional hand-painted elements. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.

Customize My Artwork + $50

Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.
After order, WahooArt.com team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview

Elite Senior Artist (more detail, finesse, and extra production time) + $100

No Artwork Nameplate

Engraved bronze plaque displaying artist name and translated painting title. Size: 9x2 cm. + $10

Transparent acrylic plaque with black UV-engraved artwork informations and QR code. Size: 10x15 cm. + $30

Black acrylic plaque featuring white engraved text with artwork informations and QR code. Size: 10x15 cm. + $30

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

This elegant plaque features the artist's name and the title of the artwork, finely engraved for a timeless presentation.

It is made from bronze with a refined, elegant finish. The text is precisely laser-engraved for a sharp and permanent result. Measuring 9x2 cm, the plaque is compact yet easy to read. It's built to be durable and scratch-resistant, offering a professional, museum-quality look. Mounting is simple thanks to the included adhesive backing.

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

The plaque includes essential engraved details such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used-like oil on canvas or watercolor-a brief description of the piece, and a QR code that links to the complete artwork information.

It is crafted from clear acrylic, offering a sleek, modern appearance. The text is UV-engraved in black to ensure strong visual contrast. With a size of 10x15 cm, it ensures optimal readability. It comes equipped with two metal hooks for secure wall mounting. The plaque is designed to be weather-resistant, making it suitable for various environments, and it includes interactive features that work seamlessly with smartphone scanning.

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

This elegant plaque includes engraved information such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used (like oil on canvas or watercolor), a short description of the artwork, and a QR code for quick access to more information.

The plaque itself is made from refined black acrylic with a premium finish. The text is laser-engraved in white for high contrast and readability. Its size is 10x15 cm, designed to be easy to read. It comes with two metal hooks for professional mounting. The design is sleek and fits any interior style. It is also weather-resistant and durable, with built-in digital integration for mobile compatibility.

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The family of Elihu Yale and an Enslaved Child

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Size

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Elite Senior Artist

More detail, finesse, and extra production time

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Reproduction Frame

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ExclamationCircle For artworks or reproductions larger than 105 cm (approximately 41 inches) on any side, the frame will be shipped as a ready-to-assemble kit. This method ensures safe delivery and prevents damage during transport.

All solid wood bars are included, precisely cut to size.
Easy to assemble using the provided screws - no glue needed.
Assembly guide included; setup takes under 10 minutes with a standard screwdriver.

Important:
Tightening the canvas on the assembled frame may require a canvas stretching plier tool, which is not included in the kit. This tool helps ensure proper tension and a professional finish.

Nameplate

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Protective Varnish

Glossy Varnish (enhances colors, protects against light/moisture)

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Customize My Artwork

Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.

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Urgent

Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (10 August). No compromise on quality.

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Express Shipping

Worldwide Delivery () in 5 weeks. (17 August).

Included

Total Price

$ 272

Quick Facts

Movement: Dutch Golden Age
Subject or theme: Family portrait; Colonial era
Location: Yale Center for British Art
Artistic style: Realism
Notable elements or techniques: Detailed portraiture; Use of lighting
Medium: Oil on canvas
Artist: Johannes Verelst

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:

What is the primary subject matter of this painting?

A portrait of Elihu Yale and his family.

A depiction of a naval battle.

An abstract landscape scene.

Question 2:

Who painted *The Family of Elihu Yale and an Enslaved Child*?

Leonardo da Vinci

Johannes Verelst

Michelangelo

Question 3:

Approximately when was this painting created?

1600 AD

1719 AD

1850 AD

Question 4:

What is notable about the depiction of the enslaved child in the artwork?

He wears a luxurious robe.

He is prominently displayed at the center of the composition.

The artist deliberately obscured his identity.

Question 5:

Why was this painting considered significant for its time?

It represented a groundbreaking innovation in artistic technique.

It challenged prevailing social attitudes regarding slavery.

It commemorated a major victory in the Napoleonic Wars.

Artwork Description

A Window Into Colonial Britain: Johannes Verelst’s Portrait of Yale Family

Johannes Verelst's “The family of Elihu Yale and an Enslaved Child,” painted circa 1719, stands as a poignant testament to the complexities of British society during the Enlightenment – specifically its involvement in transatlantic slavery. More than just a depiction of wealth and status, this monumental portrait delves into ethical dilemmas inherent in the era’s social hierarchy and offers a rare glimpse into the lives of individuals marginalized by colonial ambition.

Subject Matter: The painting portrays Elihu Yale, a pivotal figure in establishing Yale University, alongside his sons-in-law and grandchildren. However, its central focus is an enslaved child serving wine to the men—a detail deliberately omitted from previous exhibitions and now subjected to intensive scholarly scrutiny.
Style & Technique: Verelst’s masterful realism distinguishes him as a leading artist of the Dutch Golden Age. Employing chiaroscuro – dramatic contrasts between light and dark – he meticulously captures textures and expressions, conveying an atmosphere of dignified formality yet subtly hinting at underlying tensions. The composition is carefully balanced, emphasizing the familial bonds while simultaneously confronting viewers with the uncomfortable reality of servitude.
Historical Context: Created during Yale’s lifetime, the portrait reflects the pervasive practice of employing enslaved children as attendants in affluent households across Britain. This custom was driven by economic necessity and underpinned by legal justifications that perpetuated racial inequality. The inclusion of a collar around the child's neck serves as a visual symbol of control and subjugation—a stark reminder of the brutal conditions endured by those forcibly removed from their families.
Symbolism: Beyond its immediate depiction, “The family of Elihu Yale…” speaks to broader themes of power dynamics and social responsibility. The chessboard on which the men sit symbolizes strategic thinking and control – mirroring the ambitions of Yale himself as a colonial administrator. Yet, the child’s presence disrupts this idealized image, prompting contemplation about the moral implications of upholding such systems.
Emotional Impact: Viewing this artwork evokes feelings of unease alongside admiration for Verelst's artistic prowess. It compels us to confront uncomfortable truths about Britain’s past and encourages a dialogue concerning representation and remembrance. The Yale Center for British Art’s recent research into the painting underscores its significance as a catalyst for critical engagement with colonial history.

The acquisition of B1970.1 by Paul Mellon in 1970 marked a pivotal moment in establishing Yale University's collection of British art, championed by Jules Prown who recognized its capacity to illuminate the connections between England and America.

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Artist Biography

early life and family

johannes verelst, jan verelst, a prominent dutch golden age painter, was born in 1648 in dordrecht, netherlands. he was the youngest of three sons to pieter hermansz verelst, also a painter, and all three brothers followed in their father's footsteps to become known painters.

artistic career

john verelst is renowned for his captivating portraits, particularly those of the four mohawk kings who visited queen anne in 1710 from the province of new york in north america. this notable work showcases verelst's skill in capturing the essence of his subjects, reflecting the dutch golden age's emphasis on realism.

notable works and legacy

verelst's portraits are characterized by their:

attention to detail, reflecting the subject's personality and social status.
use of lighting, which adds depth and emotion to the compositions.
historical significance, providing a glimpse into the lives of notable figures from the dutch golden age.

museums and collections

while verelst's works are not as widely dispersed as some of his contemporaries, they can be found in various private collections and some dutch museums, such as the mauritshuis in the hague, which is also home to works by johannes vermeer and rembrandt van rijn.

conclusion

john verelst's contributions to the dutch golden age are undeniable. his portraits not only reflect the era's artistic values but also serve as a window into the lives of his subjects. for those interested in exploring more of verelst's work or learning about other artists from this period, WahooArt.com's collection is an excellent resource.

references

johannes verelst, jan verelst - WahooArt.com
mauritshuis - wikipedia

johannes verelst, jan verelst

1648 - 1734 , Netherlands

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Genre painting
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Flemish painting']
Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Antoine Le Nain
- Mathieu Le Nain
Date Of Birth: c.1600
Date Of Death: 1648
Full Name: Louis Le Nain
Nationality: French
Notable Artworks:
- Portrait of a Man
- The Wedding Feast
Place Of Birth: Laon, France

Masterpieces of Light: Unveiling the Dramatic Brilliance of the Dutch Golden Age Art Movement

Embark on a sophisticated journey through the Dutch Golden Age. Unveil the dramatic brilliance of Rembrandt’s chiaroscuro and the expressive landscapes of 17th-century masters in this authoritative exploration of light, shadow, and enduring artistic legacy.

Explore Article read article

johannes verelst, jan verelst: The Full Collection

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The family of Elihu Yale and an Enslaved Child

Collectible Description

Artist Biography

Hand Made Oil Reproduction

Reproduction Frame

White $1

Blurside $1

Extended $1

P118B $10

P118H $10

P118W $10

P438Z $10

P508JH $12

P508YH $12

P805H $10

P805Z $10

P919BZ $10

P919G $10

P919XJ $10

P959ZH $10

P968JZ $12

W106C $8

W218G $10

W218JH $8

W218Y $10

W307PJ $10

W316G $10

W316PJ $8

W316Y $10

W398PJ $8

W4111J $10

W500HY $15

W500JH $15

W692G $12

W849H $8

W940BG $15

W953PJ $8

H24-GOLD $40

H24-SILVER $40

H36-GOLD $60

H36-SILVER $60

Framed

Reproduction Size

Artwork Customization

Artist Skill Level

Nameplate

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

Protective Varnish

Urgent Production

Included Benefits

Free Worldwide Express Shipping

High-Quality Linen Canvas

Full Shipping Insurance

Customs Tax Refund Guarantee

True Color Matching Guarantee

60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)

100% Money-Back Guarantee

Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

$ 272

Summary

Reproduction Medium

-

Elite Senior Artist

-

Reproduction Frame

-

Nameplate

-

Protective Varnish

-

Customize My Artwork

-

Urgent

-

Express Shipping

Included

Total Price