Victoria Roberts - Frederick Douglass: Man on Fire

This mixed media work features a portrait of Frederick Douglass (1818-1895), who escaped slavery to become an abolitionist, social reformer, and writer.

"In terms of inspiring people, Frederick Douglass was 'on fire,'" says Roberts. "Coming from such oppressed beginnings, he achieved so much - he was a self-taught orator - and I was inspired to paint him."

Roberts painted the portrait of Douglass on the back of a c. 1880s carved gold frame as a statement of the treatment of Black Americans throughout history: The back side of the frame, intended to be hidden from view, is actually the part of the frame with the most character and beautiful detail.

Acrylic on wood.