The correct answer to this open question is the following.
Unfortunately, you did not attach the excerpt or the painting.
However, trying to help you we can comment on the following.
If you are referring to painted created by artist Charles T. Webber, painted in 1893 titled "The Underground Railroad," then we can say that the people, scenes, and events reflect the anguish of the moment, trying to help the black slaves to the south crossing to the northern states looking for freedom.
Charles T. Webber, who was a supporter of segregation, decided to paint "The Underground Railroad" to exhibit it during the World's Columbian Exposition organized by the city of Chicago, Illinois. His main purpose was to paid homage to the people who helped black Americans to be free under this adventurous and risky activity.
