Man from Sudan in Algerian Dress by Charles-Henri-Joseph Cordier

Man from Sudan in Algerian Dress c. 1850 - 1857

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sculpture, marble

portrait

stone

sculpture

figuration

ancient-mediterranean

sculpture

academic-art

marble

realism

Dimensions: 38 3/16 x 24 x 13 in. (97 x 60.96 x 33.02 cm)

Charles Cordier's "Man from Sudan in Algerian Dress," presents us with a figure sculpted in contrasting onyx and marble. The turban he wears is more than mere headwear; it is a cultural symbol. The turban's presence echoes through time, a motif seen in various forms across different cultures. We find similar headwraps adorning figures in ancient Middle Eastern art, each iteration carrying its own cultural and religious weight. But here, the turban signifies identity and status. Consider how the turban, initially a practical garment, evolves into a marker of religious or ethnic identity. Its presence evokes a collective memory, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The way this headwear has resurfaced and been reinterpreted speaks volumes about cultural exchange and transformation. The turban is not static; it is a fluid symbol, constantly adapting and reflecting the ever-changing human experience.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart over 1 year ago

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Charles Henri Joseph Cordier excelled in the precise rendering of facial features and embellishments (note the scarification on his cheeks) as well as specific dress of different ethnic groups. His portraits show a precision and honesty which was virtually unknown before, without any elements of stereotyping and caricature. In a gigantic task that anticipates Malvina Hoffman's undertaking to portray the diversity of mankind for the Field Museum in Chicago (1930-1935), Cordier was employed by the Natural History Museum in Paris to portray representatives of the world's most diverse cultures from 1851-1866. His particular interest was for the peoples he encountered during his travels in North Africa. Cordier's use of onyx marble - which was quarried only in Algeria - for the ethnic dress of the Algerian demonstrates that even in his choice of materials he sought to pay homage to the specific culture of his sitters.