VMFA Signs Historic Ethical Restitution Agreement for Enslaved Artist David Drake's 1840 Jug
On October 7, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) reached a groundbreaking agreement with the descendants of David Drake, an enslaved artist active from approximately 1800 to 1870. This agreement centers on the restitution of an 1840 stoneware jug, known as a "poem" vessel. Drake's heirs will also be issued a certificate affirming ethical ownership. This transaction marks the first time VMFA has addressed an ownership claim related to artwork created during slavery. The ceremony featured Drake's direct descendants, including Pauline Baker, Daisy Whitner, and Johnny Williams, along with comments from VMFA Director Alex Nyerges and Drake's fourth great-grandson, Yaba Baker.
Key facts
- VMFA signed a historic ethical restitution agreement on Wednesday, October 7
- The agreement concerns enslaved artist David Drake's 1840 stoneware storage jug, also known as a "poem" vessel
- VMFA restored ownership of the Double-handled Jug to Drake's descendants
- VMFA will purchase the jug back for its permanent collection in return for an authorized certificate of ethical ownership
- This is the first time VMFA has resolved an ownership claim for a work of art made under the conditions of slavery
- The agreement was signed by Drake's oldest living heirs: Ms. Pauline Baker (79), Ms. Daisy Whitner (87), and Mr. Johnny Williams (84)
- The ceremony included remarks by Yaba Baker (Drake's fourth great-grandson), George Fatheree III (advisor to Drake's descendants), Alex Nyerges (VMFA Director and CEO), and Dr. Susan J. Rawles (VMFA's Elizabeth Locke Associate Curator of American Decorative Arts)
- David Drake lived ca. 1800–ca. 1870
Entities
Artists
- David Drake
- Pauline Baker
- Daisy Whitner
- Johnny Williams
- Yaba Baker
- George Fatheree III
- Alex Nyerges
- Susan J. Rawles
Institutions
Locations
- Virginia
- United States