André V. Dimanche (1901–1988) 30"x12"11" Untitled (King Henri Christophe Bust) 1965 Carved Mahogany Sculpture #1VB
André V. Dimanche (1901–1988) 30"x12"11" Untitled (King Henri Christophe Bust) 1965 Carved Mahogany Sculpture #1VB
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Description
Description
This commanding mahogany bust sculpture depicts King Henri Christophe, one of the founding fathers of Haiti and its first monarch, carved by Haitian artist Andre Dimanche in 1965 and signed "Andre V. Dimanche" at its base. Standing 30 inches tall by 12 inches wide by 11 inches deep, the piece showcases the artist's mastery of figurative wood carving, with richly textured detailing in the royal headwear, facial features, and draped clothing that captures the gravity and authority associated with this pivotal historical figure. The rich grain of the mahogany brings warmth and dimension to the king's commanding, contemplative gaze. Sourced from a private collector in Pennsylvania, this piece carries a documented provenance. We will provide a Certificate of Authenticity.
About this artist
About this artist
André V. Dimanche was born in 1901 in Jérémie, Haiti, and passed away in 1988. Working as an agricultural superintendent overseeing a ficus plantation, he spent his days in the countryside, where he began carving mahogany intuitively, guided by the natural form already present in a branch or trunk rather than formal technique. As he once told a journalist asking about his process, he took a piece of wood and removed what was in excess. His talent surfaced when he won an award for a sculpture shown at Port-au-Prince's 1949 Bicentenary exhibition, as art historian Gérald Alexis recounts in his 2017 Le Nouvelliste memoir on the sculptor. Albert Mangonès, later celebrated for "The Maroon Slave," introduced him to Port-au-Prince's art community, and American sculptor Jason Seley of the Center d'Art was captivated by his work. After relocating to Port-au-Prince to sculpt professionally, Dimanche's mahogany figures grew more elongated, echoing modernist influences, while continuing to draw on Haitian folklore and Vodou iconography, including Baron Samedi, Erzulie, and Damballah. Collectors now hold his sculptures, and they have been exhibited at institutions including the Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center in New Jersey.
