Aaron Douglas was a leader in the Harlem Renaissance school of painting, and one of the first artists to document the history of the African-American experience through visual art. His style was innovative and intriguing and is still viewed as a powerful expression of the oppression and resistance of African Americans.

This painting focuses on African Americans after the Civil War. Douglas reveals a transition from the left side of the painting to the right. It represents traveling from pre-war South to the post war North. Viewers can discern this from reading the symbols and movement across the canvas.

Aspects of Negro Life is a panel series of four murals that Douglas completed in 1934. The four panels revealed the emergence of Black America, beginning with life in Africa and tracing the history of African Americans through slavery, emancipation, and the rebirth of African traditions.

Contact. If you have comments, suggestions, or questions, please email digitalcollections@nypl.org.