Study # 3-for Commemorative Statue

Commissioned by the Haitian government in 1948 to complete a statue Jean Jacques Dessalines, Barthé did several sketches in preparation for the 1953 installation of the image at Port-au-Prince. This is one of at least seven drawings in the artist’s personal manuscript collection that are thought to be directly related to the commission. The final translation of the image in bronze is an excellent representation of Barthé’s talent as a sculptor. According to the New York Times, the 40-foot equestrian statue, “paid tribute to the revolutionary war hero that wrested control of the former French colony from Napoleon's armies."