Bust of Said Abdullah of the Darfour People 1848

Charles-Henri-Joseph Cordier created this bronze bust of Said Abdullah of the Darfour People. The bronze's dark, reflective surface captures light, giving the sculpture a dynamic presence. Cordier’s detailed representation of Said Abdullah highlights the textures of his skin, hair and clothing. The artist paid close attention to the contours of his subject’s face, using line and form to emphasize his features. The turban is draped in such a way that it adds movement to the sculpture and frames the face, drawing the viewer’s eye to the subject’s gaze. The sculpture exists as a cultural artifact shaped by the complex politics of representation, especially considering the history of European encounters with non-European cultures. Cordier was interested in ideas of anthropological accuracy and physiognomy, which was a popular movement at the time. The artist captured what he believed were distinct racial types. Ultimately, the sculpture prompts us to consider the ways in which art can perpetuate or challenge existing social structures.