Gerard Valcin
Further images
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 1
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 2
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 3
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 4
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 5
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 6
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 7
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 8
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 9
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 10
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 11
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 12
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 13
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 14
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 15
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 16
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 17
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 18
)
The present work depicts two men in top hats flanking a large
decorated Haitian tanbou drum. The men represent a notorious figure in
Haitian Vodou: Baron Samedi, the master of the dead, or spirit of death.
He is seen as an elegantly dressed figure in a tailcoat and top hat,
perhaps smoking a cigar. His role is to make sure the dead stay dead. He
is infamous for his appalling behavior, swearing and making filthy
jokes as he interacts with other spirits. Baron Samedi leads the Gede,
or Ghede, family and rules the cemetery.
Spirit of Death and Life: He rules over the dead, cemeteries,
resurrection, and healing. Ghede (also spelled Gede or Guédé) refers to a
family or nation of loa (spirits) in Haitian Vodou that embody the dual
powers of death and fertility. Bridge to the Dead: The Ghede are
ancestral spirits that link the living to the spiritual world. Life and
Rebirth: Because death is viewed as a natural part of the cycle of life,
the Ghede are closely tied to sexuality, birth, and the protection of
children. Rowdy and Humorous: Unlike more severe spirits, the Ghede are
known as raunchy, witty jokers. They often use dark humor, sexual
innuendo, and profanity during possession to shock people and strip away
pretentiousness. Haitian Vodou merges Catholic and African beliefs into
a unique set of rituals; the painting, with two views of Baron Samedi,
is a prime example of the genre.
Gerald Valcin is a Haitian primitive master. The National Gallery of
Art in Washington considers him one of the top 10 most important Haitian
painters. Most of his work is inspired by Vodou Spirits, beliefs, and
ceremonies. Many major museums hold his work in their permanent
collections, including the National Gallery of Art, Washington; the
Milwaukee Art Museum; the Lowe Art Museum, Miami; and the Waterloo
Center for the Arts. The work is signed and dated 82 lower left, framed
by House of Heydenryk. Provenance: Collection of Mark Seidenfeld, New
York. 21.74 x 17.5