Sophie Guarino-The Bone Player

This painting The Bone Player done by William Sidney Mount was done in 1856. This painting is an oil painting on canvas. The man in this painting is an African American slave. He is very well dressed, happy, and does not look like every typical dirty slave. In his hands it shows him playing the bones. They are carved animal bones used to hit against each other constantly to make music and a tune. This shows that all slaves are not treated poorly. This African American had a talent and his owner gave him oppertunites to show off his talent, perform, and travel. This is a very interesting painting because most slaves are unhappy and depressed. They do not like doing the work and do not have freedom. I like this painting be because it is unique and different. It doesn't show a unhappy and sad slave being forced to do things for its owner. This painting shows a happy man doing what he loves to do. I was surprised to see the man smiley and looking happy in thus because usely slaves are not happy.