African American Bronze – Uncle Tom

Uncle Tom, title character in the antislavery novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin (serialized 1851–52, published as a book in 1852) by Harriet Beecher Stowe. The character Tom—called “Uncle” Tom in the Southern fashion of showing respect for an older man—was viewed sympathetically by the novel’s readers. Stowe made him an exemplar of virtue and dignity who is far superior in character to the white slaveholders portrayed. He lives his Christian convictions, opposing violence despite the brutality he himself bears. Stowe’s Tom is brave, strong, and good. He saves the life of and is a good friend to Little Eva, his slaveholder’s frail young daughter. After Tom is sold to the evil Simon Legree, he is whipped to death for refusing to divulge the whereabouts of some runaways.

Two depictions of a bronze Uncle Tom inkwell are shown. The first shows Uncle sitting on a rock. His hat serves as a hinged lid which opens to access the inkwell. The second depiction includes Little Eva placing a garland of flowers around Uncle Tom.