Black Narcissus

Artist Richmond Barthé (American, 1901 - 1989)

Date1929

MediumBronze

Dimensions19 1/2 × 8 1/2 inches (49.5 × 21.6 cm)

Credit LineMuseum purchase with funds provided in part by the Jacob and Gwendolyn Knight Lawrence Foundation

Object number2023.48

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On view

CopyrightThe images and text contained on this page are owned by Telfair Museums or used by the Museum with permission from the owners. Unauthorized reproduction, transmission or display of these materials is prohibited with the exception of items deemed “fair use” as defined by U.S. and international copyright laws.Label TextBlack Narcissus is Barthé’s first depiction of a nude. It demonstrates his knowledge of Greek and Roman artistic traditions, depicting a mythological character who falls in love with his own reflection, then transforms into the narcissus flower. By presenting this famous symbol of beauty as a Black male figure, Barthé both embraces and challenges traditions. The dark bronze material adds a second layer of disruption, given that narcissus flowers are white. Barthé modeled Black Narcissus shortly after his 1929 move from Chicago to New York City, where he initially lived in the vibrant African American neighborhood of Harlem. This was one of 26 sculptures exhibited in his first solo exhibition, held at the Women’s City Club in Chicago in 1930, where it bore the subtitle “Bronze Study of a Young Harlem Singer.”

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