Why Born Enslaved! 1868 - 1873

Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux carved "Why Born Enslaved!" from marble, a material with a long history of conveying power and status. Here, the cool, smooth stone is worked to a high polish, contrasting with the rough-hewn ropes that bind the figure. Carpeaux has fully exploited the inherent qualities of marble, transforming a heavy block into a vibrant, emotionally charged image. The intense gaze and tightly bound form speak to the brutal realities of enslavement, which was a powerful symbol for the concept of liberty and freedom. The work required considerable physical labor, a factor often overlooked when considering the final, refined product. By emphasizing the material and making, Carpeaux asks us to consider the human cost behind objects of beauty, challenging the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft.