“African Venus” was created by the sculptor Charles Henri Joseph Cordier in bronze in 1851.  The sculpture was created as a companion piece to an earlier work created by Charles Cordier entitled “Said Abdullah of the Mayac, Kingdom of the Darfur”.  The model was a young African woman by the name of Seïd Enkess who was a former slave in France.  Both busts became popular after France abolished slavery in 1848.  Charles Cordier himself was sympathetic to the abolitionist movement and believed in the beauty and equality of all races.

“Saïd Abdullah of the Mayac, Kingdom of the Darfur” was his first successful bust and was sculpted in 1848 and displayed at the Paris Salon.  After the creation of these two sculptures, Charles Cordier served as the official sculptor of Paris’s National History Museum from 1851 to 1866.  There, for the new Ethnographic Gallery that is now housed at Musee de L’Homme, he created a series of beautiful and lifelike busts.

Charles Henri Joseph Cordier, Ethnographic Sculptor

Charles Henri Joseph Cordier was considered the leading Ethnographic Sculptor in 19th Century France.  Ethonography is a historical science that studies ethnic groups and other ethnic formations and their material and spiritual culture.  His work was admired by critics and other artist during the 19th Century but he often had to defend the subjects of his sculptures and the materials he used in the creation of his artwork.  As a result, his work fell out of favor and into obscurity during the 20th Century.

“African Venus” and “Said Abdullah” were respected in the 19th Century after the abolishment of slavery came to represent expressions of human pride and dignity in the face of grave injustice.  These were the first two of fifteen busts created for the French state and these powerful expressions of nobility and dignity were also purchased by dignitaries such as Queen Victoria and the Museum of Natural History in France.

There are two busts that were sculpted by Charles Henri Joseph Cordier and cast by the Paris foundry Eck and Durand in 1852 at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, MD.  Plan a visit to view them in person!

Related Posts:

1. The Sculpture of Michael Rolando Richards
2. 15 Facts About Colonel Charles Young
3. African American Civil War Monument & Museum

Title: Glory to God
Artist: Steven Davis
Height: 13.75 inches
Our Price: $44.95

We have recently added a new figurine to our Heavenly Visions Figurine Collection. This figurine is entitled “Glory to God” and features a beautiful African American female giving reverence to the Most High. Steven Davis’ latest work doesn’t disappoint and would be a beautiful piece to add to your existing African American figurine/statuette collection. Please visit our Heavenly Visions Figurine Collection to view or purchase this figurine or the other African American Angel Figurines by Steven Davis!

Related Posts:

1. Peace Unto You by Steven Davis: Heavenly Visions Figurines
2. New Black Figurines and Gifts
3. Buffalo Soldier Figurines Collection Updated!

Our Too Blessed to Be Stressed Figurine Collection is one of the newest figurine sets added to The Black Art Depot’s website. Display these figurines in your home or office where they can serve the dual purpose of beautifying your environment and reminding you when you are stressed to “Let Go and Let God”!

Related Posts:

1. New Black Figurines and Gifts

The Black Art Depot has added a new line of inspirational figurines to the site.  Our Virtuous Woman Figurine Collection is a beautiful line of black figurines created to personify the classic Proverbs 31: 10-31 bible passage.  Perfect for the office desk, showcase cabinet or sofa table/ end tables.  Enrich your home  or office today!

Related Posts:

1. New African American Bible Organizers Now Available!!!
2. Introducing the Black History Art Collection
3. Black Motivational Posters: New Posters and Prints!