With this work, Carpeaux denounced a practise that still remained common despite slavery’s having been abolished in 1848.Įgypt, New Kingdom, beginning of the 19th Dynasty Her expression is not merely inquisitive, it also displays her despair and a form of reproach. The warm tones highlight the young slave’s dark skin, her large earrings, her short, thick hair and the shadows and the shape of her face. She raises her questioning eyes to the viewer.

The war-toned canvas depicts the bust of a young woman, whose head is slightly turned toward the viewer. Originally this work by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux was a sculpted bust. That comforting source of bright light emphasises the calm and soothing atmosphere of the ocean at day’s end. The sun breaking through the clouds illuminates the boat and its two passengers. This marine landscape shows a small boat floating on the water, its single sail billowing in the wind. This oil on canvas was done in the 1870s, when Jean-François Millet abruptly left the Seine-et-Marne department for Normandy, to get away from the noise and agitation of Paris. Among the major works of the sale, the Fishing Boat by Jean-François Millet and Why Born a Slave? by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux will be presented at the preview exhibition. The Old Masters and 19 th century Department will present an exceptional selection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures, from the Italian primitives to the late 19th century.

Sitting on clouds classical art