Freeing of the Slaves is an oil and tempera on canvas painting by American artist John Steuart Curry, created in 1942.

[1] This painting was originally intended to be displayed at the United States Department of Justice building, in Washington, D.C., but was rejected because it was considered too controversial.

From the left, the painting depicts groups of freed slaves who are leaving their farms, under a stormy sky, to walk behind Unionist troops.

These troops march on, as a new sunny day breaks in, standing for the end of the war and the emancipation of the slaves.

[4] A black man stands at the center of the composition, with his arms outstretched and looking to the skies, in a sign of gratitute.