Joanna, or A Female Mulatto
Location: Surinam
Description:
This lovely image, also an engraving after Stedman's original, shows the figure of a mulatto woman, set against the fields of a plantation. She is clad in a light gauzy material dress that appears to have some kind of floral pattern on it. She is carrying in her hand a large hat that appears to be a man's style with a wide-brim and made of a heavy material. She is barefoot, probably typical for a slave such as herself, particularly a domestic. However, several parts of this image are atypical. First, the woman's right breast is completely exposed, as if the shoulder of her dress has fallen off, and she did not care to put it back. When we read, in the introduction, that Joanna was actually the mistress of the author, by whom he had a son, the sexualized nature of this image is less than surprising. Second, the jewelry that she is wearing is probably partially accurately portrayed, and partially imagined. Her ankle adornments might be vestiges of her heritage or adopted from native tradition, but her earring and necklace, which appear to be quite valuable are more than likely an elaboration.
However, the sexual nature and questionable factuality of this image only make it more interesting from an historical perspective. This image is fascinating; it invites the viewer to read more and to discover the story of Joanna. This is truly an instance in which costume can represent and embellish the wearer in a more than physical way.
Book Title: Narrative of a five years expedition against the revolted Negroes of Surinam : in Guiana on the wild
Plate Number: Page 37
Call Number: F2410 .S815 1971 v.1