Crouching female nude

Unknown

early 17th century · Rosewood; pedestal: lapis lazuli, marble and gilt metal · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The sculptor of this statuette likely chose to depict a Black woman because of the dark color of the rosewood, which was newly introduced to Europe from Portugal’s colonial outposts in Brazil. The sexualized pose references a classical sculpture of Venus, goddess of love. Through its material and subject, this sculpture reflects the associations Europeans made among people of Black African descent, foreign raw materials, luxury, and sexuality. This collector’s piece was designed to be handled and closely observed, further complicating its meaning and legacy.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 17th century

Medium

Rosewood; pedestal: lapis lazuli, marble and gilt metal

Culture

probably German

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917