The Lucky Negro (Le nègre en bonne fortune) 1899

"The Lucky Negro (Le nègre en bonne fortune)" is a 1899 etching by French artist Jacques Villon. The artwork depicts a Black man seated to the left, dressed in a suit, wearing a hat, and looking directly at the viewer. To his right sits a woman wearing an elaborate hat with large, red pom-poms and a dark dress. The couple's expressions and postures suggest a sense of composure and even pride, challenging the racist stereotypes of the time and subtly highlighting the theme of social status and the changing roles of men and women in a rapidly changing society. The image itself is rendered in a monochromatic palette, with tones of browns and grays, reminiscent of the graphic style of the period. The use of heavy black lines and shading contributes to the artwork's distinct and impactful aesthetic.