A Captive
Statuette
1660-1700 (made)
1660-1700 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
France colonised islands in the West Indies in the 17th century, with the aim of transforming them into profitable sugar-producing economies fuelled by the labour of enslaved Africans. French involvement in the transatlantic trade continued to grow over the following century, but in 1791 there was a massive slave revolt in Saint-Domingue, one of the most profitable colonies. On 1 January 1804, the territory became Haiti, the first black republic.
This decorative bronze figure was made in France in the 1660s, during the reign of Louis XIV, whose chief minister, Jean-Baptiste Colbert, was the architect of French colonial policy. The figure is probably one of a pair made to embellish a clock or a piece of furniture. Its pose - on one knee, with the wrists manacled together - clearly identifies the figure as a slave.
This decorative bronze figure was made in France in the 1660s, during the reign of Louis XIV, whose chief minister, Jean-Baptiste Colbert, was the architect of French colonial policy. The figure is probably one of a pair made to embellish a clock or a piece of furniture. Its pose - on one knee, with the wrists manacled together - clearly identifies the figure as a slave.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | A Captive (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Bronze, patinated |
| Brief description | Statuette, bronze, A Captive, French, ca. 1660 - 1700 |
| Physical description | The captive is bearded, long haired, and looks to the right. He is kneeling on his left knee and his manacled wrists are held on his right thigh. He wears short sleeved linked armour and a cloak. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Credit line | Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA |
| Object history | Given by Dr. W. L. Hildburgh, F. S. A. |
| Summary | France colonised islands in the West Indies in the 17th century, with the aim of transforming them into profitable sugar-producing economies fuelled by the labour of enslaved Africans. French involvement in the transatlantic trade continued to grow over the following century, but in 1791 there was a massive slave revolt in Saint-Domingue, one of the most profitable colonies. On 1 January 1804, the territory became Haiti, the first black republic. This decorative bronze figure was made in France in the 1660s, during the reign of Louis XIV, whose chief minister, Jean-Baptiste Colbert, was the architect of French colonial policy. The figure is probably one of a pair made to embellish a clock or a piece of furniture. Its pose - on one knee, with the wrists manacled together - clearly identifies the figure as a slave. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.21-1950 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSON
