Wilson Chinn, A Branded Slave from Louisiana. Full-length albumen CDV. New York: Kimball, 1863. Title, photographer's imprint, and copyright statement printed to mount recto. Printed to verso is a statement reading the proceeds: "The nett proceeds from the sale of these Photographs will be devoted exclusively to the education of colored people in the Department of the Gulf, now under the command of Maj. Gen. Banks." 

A rare abolitionist view dramatically depicting the horrors of slavery. Wilson Chinn, a newly emancipated formerly enslaved person from Louisiana, is shown wearing shackles and a "punishment collar" intended to prevent runaways. 

Disturbing views such as this portrait were produced by abolitionist groups to stir outrage and sympathy among Northern white audiences, especially as support for the war waned as it dragged on. The physical manifestation of enslavement’s cruelty served to galvanize the abolitionist movement in the North and convince many moderates of the cause as the image directly contradicted the idea of benevolent slave owners.

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