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Dred Scott Portrait by Louis Schultze
Oil on canvas
25" x 30"

The portrait of Dred Scott by Louis Schultze is one of the most important portraits in the Missouri Historical Society's art collection. A letter dated December 31, 1887, from the treasurer of the
Missouri Historical Society outlining the society's plans for the coming year states, "The Missouri Historical Society intends to have painted an oil portrait, life size, 25 x 30 canvas, of Dred Scott."

Since Scott was deceased, Schultze based his work on a daguerreotype taken by J.H. Fitzgibbon. The daguerreotype appeared in Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper (often called Frank Leslie's Weekly), an American illustrated literary and news magazine.

On February 11, 2007, the Missouri Historical Society will unveil a Dred Scott display featuring important documents related to the Scott's long legal battle. A highlight of the display will be Dred and Harriet Scott's freedom bonds from 1858. The Dred Scott display, located in the museum's Whitaker Loggia, will remain on view until April 1, 2007.

View a larger view of the portrait .

 


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