---
title: Charles Sumner
author: Edgar Parker
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21917/charles-sumner/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2026-07-06
---
# Charles Sumner
_Authored by Edgar Parker_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/21917.jpg)
## Image Caption
Portrait of Charles Sumner, oil on canvas by Edgar Parker, 1874.
Depicted here is the American statesman Charles Sumner, whose stalwart abolitionist advocacy saw him infamously brutalized on the floor of the Senate chamber by a pro-slavery Democrat. Although nearly killed, Sumner would return to health and to Congress, where he continued to lobby for the full and equal integration of Black Americans during Reconstruction.
National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C.
## Cite This Work
### APA
Parker, E. (2026, July 06). Charles Sumner. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Parker, Edgar. "Charles Sumner." *World History Encyclopedia*, July 06, 2026. .
### MLA
Parker, Edgar. "Charles Sumner." *World History Encyclopedia*, 06 Jul 2026, .
## License & Copyright
[Original image](https://www.si.edu/object/charles-sumner:npg_NPG.69.39?__cf_chl_f_tk=PS0AhnA1fbuua75Wtp_AF7jYeXkfQTTKAH2E8PG75hk-1783303170-1.0.1.1-Kc1yeSfAYkbQN4xCsEbjiq1lb0SbUL2C_l6ClgOjwGM) by **Edgar Parker**. Submitted by [Zachary Kay](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/zacharykay/ "User Page: Zachary Kay"), published on 06 July 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Public Domain](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain). This item is in the public domain, and can be used, copied, and modified without any restrictions. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.