A Bit of War History: The Contraband

The painting depicts a standing black man with a mustache. He wears a white hat, light-colored jacket, white shirt, light-brown pants, and shoes. His jacket is buttoned. The man holds the hat in his right hand, which touches the side of his head. His left hand holds a bag. A bundle of straw or hay hangs from his left hip. He stands on a dirty floor with a broomstick leaning against his right leg. To his right, a small table holds a newspaper and has a rifle and other items hanging on the wall behind it. On the wall, two signs are posted. The background shows an open doorway with a dark interior. A red and gold garment hangs within the doorway.