Victory and Defeat.                                               
This painting is taken from Jacob Lawerance collection of migration series. This painting portrays a scene of surrender of British army after the battle of Yorktown on 19 October 1781. Sword of General Cornwallis was handed over to american people as recognition of transfer of power. This painting was completed in 1955 during protests for black rights in the country. 

There is no firing of canons, no screams of pain but a still quiet room is holding its breath. All eyes jammed at the swift transfer of power confirming the peaceful end to a long fought battle. A battle which has affected a million lives with irreversible losses comes to an end and brings a new beginning to the people who fought for their land.

White hands in a red cloak of British royalty handing over the magnificent sword signifying power to hands in a black cloak. Hands in the black cloak are confiscating the sword as a lawful and their rightful belonging, taking away the honor and pride of British. As amazing as it can be the transition that hands once carrying the weapons are empty and instead of battlefield are present in a courtroom. 

The general of British army has sent his second man instead of coming himself in front of the crowd declaring their defeat. His absence has been justified by him suffering from his poor health but the action indicates his poor will and shame he feels in loosing control over their once conquered land. 

The extraordinary scene reflects both the joy and sorrow. There is the end of the glorious era for British and beginning of an era of freedom for the nation. The changes it will bring to the life of people of the country and the losses British will suffer. A dream of a land where one can cherish peace and equality has come true and the brighter future is right ahead of the newly born country.

As a viewer I wanted to know what else does it portray other than a victorious nation against a defeated army. The most interesting part for me in the painting was how the time when this painting was painted coincided with the civil rights movement going on in the country. With all the riots taking place, business being affected and tragedies being done why has the painter exhibited people receiving their rights peacefully? What is the message he wants to convey to it's viewers? Every stroke by the artist is representing something which makes it thought provoking and carries very strong emotion to it's viewers.

My eyes were zoomed on that picture and when I took them off that painting I looked around the whole art gallery and how in every picture american history was evolving.

By the ticking of cloak I realized that an end has come to my first visit to an art gallery. With all my admiration towards the picture I walked down the fine wooden staircase crossing the some of the finest art pieces I have seen in my life.