Clarence DeShields Playing the Guitar

1931

oil painting

44” x 36”

Music has the power to lift the spirits of many. Music can express emotion, as well as tell a story. This is why many people of color used music as an emotional and spiritual outlet. This oil painting portrays the elegant and strong Clarence DeShields, a member of the founding Black families of America. Ruth Starr Rose noted how he was “tall” and had a particularly “engaging, wide slow smile”. Clarence DeShields shared his historical and musical knowledge of spirituals with Rose which she then transformed into her various visual works of art. What are some ways music may be used as an emotional outlet? Have you ever used music to express yourself?