“It’s a miracle that this painting survives.”

November 19, 2024 8:13 AM

A Man of Parts and Learning by Fara Dabhoiwala [archive link] is the text of a lecture about the portrait of 18th Century Jamaican polymath Francis Williams, the first Black man to be proposed for election to the Royal Society, which became the subject of popular interest last month when it was revealed that the painting celebrated Williams’ great scientific triumph. In his lecture, Dabhoiwala recounts the process by which the discovery was made, as well as explaining the context. You can watch it here.
posted by Kattullus (2 comments total)

Thank you for posting this! I didn't have the energy to make an entire FPP.
posted by tofu_crouton at 8:23 AM on November 19 [2 favorites]

The video is incredible. It is absolutely fascinating, from end to end.
posted by mhoye at 9:46 AM on November 19 [1 favorite]