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Charles Cordier (1827-1905) “Negre du Sudan” (1856-1857) Bronze and onyx with a porphyry pedestal Located in the Musée d'Orsay, Paris, France
This was one of Cordier’s first polychrome works; the face is made of bronze and the mantle and turban of onyx marble from Algeria. Onyx marble characteristically ranges in colour from red to white, with stripes running through the blocks of stone, Cordier used these features to render the colorful effect of patterned fabric. The metal surface of the sculpture was initially silvered, then oxidised, which blackened it. Such use of color was a novelty at the time when people were accustomed to seeing white marble or bronze sculptures.
Nothing is known of the model who posed for Cordier except that he played the tam-tam in the festivities of Alger’s Muslim community before Ramadan. In an admiring, respectful manner, Cordier managed to render his natural nobility, which prompted comparisons with Roman emperors.
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Pet peeve?
When people get Star Trek and Star Wars confused :’(
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