A young enslaved boy was painted out of a family portrait only to be restored decades later

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Art restoration has always been a fascinating field of study, research and conservation. Painting conservators help preserve old artwork, repair damaged items, and remove layers of dust and dirt. It can also reveal images covered up by accident or on purpose.

That’s how a young slave, Bélizaire, disappeared and reappeared in a restored 19th-century painting. I discovered this story recently between shovelling sessions during Toronto’s snowiest day in history. It’s a fascinating tale of art, wealth, race and a covered-up image.

The French neoclassical painter Jacques Amans travelled by ship to New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1837. He was commissioned that year by German-born merchant/banker Frederick Frey to create a group portrait painting. Three of his children, Elizabeth, Léontine, and Frederick Jr., were at the forefront surrounded by scenes of nature. It’s a wonderful portrait that wealthy patrons like the Freys regularly displayed in their homes.

1837 painting of Elizabeth, Léontine and Frederick Frey Jr., with enslaved domestic servant Bélizaire.
Photograph taken by Selina McKane

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There was another person prominently depicted in the painting. He’s been identified as Bélizaire, an enslaved Afro-Creole teenager who took care of the Frey children.

Bélizaire was reportedly purchased by Frederick and his wife, Coralie, in 1828 when he was six years old. His mother, Sallie, was also acquired. Louisiana historian Katy Shannon told The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate’s Doug MacCash in Nov. 2021 that........

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