Harriet Tubman: Irreplaceable Values

Edwin Lester's "Irreplaceable Values" masterfully bridges past and future through striking symbolism centered on Harriet Tubman's enduring legacy. Born into slavery in Maryland around 1822, Tubman's values transformed American history and continue shaping our future. The artwork's centerpiece reimagines the $20 bill, where "I'm holding steady" – drawn from Tubman's famous prayer "Lord, I'm going to hold steady on to You, and You've got to see me through" – replaces "United States of America" across the top. "Irreplaceable Values" takes the place of "Twenty Dollars" at the bottom, creating a meaningful transformation of familiar currency elements that speaks to both unwavering faith and enduring principles.

The reimagined currency gains additional significance through the ongoing Harriet Tubman Tribute Act, which would make her the first woman and first Black American to appear on U.S. paper currency.

The composition speaks through layered symbolism: Shackled hands reach across time, while others emerge from the ground bound by chains marked with "1865," the year of emancipation. Throughout the chains, Lester ingeniously weaves silhouettes of enslaved people among cotton plants—a subtle yet compelling reminder of the brutal reality Tubman fought against. Her figure stands strong on the depicted bill, holding a lantern of hope and guidance, bridging her historic fight for freedom with today's ongoing struggle for representation and recognition.

As both a stunning conversation starter and an investment in preserving Black history, each piece offers a meaningful addition to any collection that values art's power to educate and inspire.

The artwork is available in three exclusive formats: a giclée on Paper (36x22 inches) limited to 450 pieces, a giclée on Canvas (40x24 inches) limited to 75 pieces, and a premium giclée on Canvas with Remarque (60x35 inches) limited to just 25 pieces. Edwin Lester signs and numbers each piece, and each is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Our canvas giclées ship unstretched and rolled in a protective tube, ready for your preferred framing choice.