CTGE026
Pourquoi naître esclave (Why born a slave) is the name given by sculptor and painter Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux (1827-1875) to a series of busts he created around 1870. At the heights of his career, enjoying the protection of Napoleon III, Carpeaux was commissioned by the city of Paris to design the Fontaine de l’Observatoire and slightly modified the theme imposed on him – the four cardinal points – by replacing them with allegoric characters personifying Europe, Africa, Asia and America. While he was working on the representation of Africa, he came up with the idea of the bust of the Négresse Captive. Obsessed with faithful representations of human movement, he sculpted his slave at an angle in order to express revolt. The story goes that the woman who posed for the bust might have also been the model of the “Capresse des colonies” by Charles Cordier in 1861.
Pourquoi naître esclave (Why born a slave) is the name given by sculptor and painter Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux (1827-1875) to a series of busts he created around 1870. At the heights of his career, enjoying the protection of Napoleon III, Carpeaux was commissioned by the city of Paris to design the Fontaine de l’Observatoire and slightly modified the theme imposed on him – the four cardinal points – by replacing them with allegoric characters personifying Europe, Africa, Asia and America. While he was working on the representation of Africa, he came up with the idea of the bust of the Négresse Captive. Obsessed with faithful representations of human movement, he sculpted his slave at an angle in order to express revolt. The story goes that the woman who posed for the bust might have also been the model of the “Capresse des colonies” by Charles Cordier in 1861.
Dimensions: 35cm High
In stock items will be shipped within 48 hours of purchase via our preferred partner Fedex TNT. Tracking details will be provided once available.
For any pre-order items one of friendly team will be in touch to confirm an ETA and provide update delivery timelines.
International deliveries will be packed within 48 hours of purchase and sent via our preferred international partner DHL. Trackng details will be provided once available.
Local pickup is available at our Double Bay boutique at 16 Transvaal Avenue, Double Bay NSW 2028.
Pickup hours are:
Mon-Friday between 9am – 5pm
Saturday between 9am – 4pm
Please contact us on either 02 9328 4800 or enquiries@palmerandpenn.com.au for any assistance needed.
For any Pre-order items please contact enquiries@palmerandpenn.com.au for up to date international delivery timelines.
To experience first-hand the grace and character of these precious pieces from the past, please visit our showroom in Double Bay where a unique selection awaits you.
