Description:

Edouard Duval-Carrié (Haitian, American, b. 1950)
La Voix des Sans Voix, 1999
Mixed media on canvas
60 x 60 (in); 64.5 x 64.75 x 2 (in) framed
Signed and dated E. Duval-Carrié 99, lower right
$5,000 - $8,000

La Voix des Sans Voix, which translates to "The Voice of the Voiceless," was completed in late 1991 following the overthrow of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in a coup d'état by the Armed Forces of Haiti. The coup was led by Army General Raoul Cédras, accompanied by Chief of National Police Michel François, both depicted on the far right side of the canvas with President Aristide on the ground.
The character in the red and black striped costume likely represents the Tonton Macoute, a secret "paramilitary" police force. The Tonton Macoute were created in 1959 by dictator Papa Doc Duvalier as armed enforcers and spies to eliminate any opposition. Papa Doc Duvalier, a follower of the Vodou (voodoo) religion, sought to revive its traditions by using the Tonton Macoute, many of whom were also Vodou followers, to consolidate his power. He even claimed to be a Vodou priest himself. The name for these secret police comes from the Haitian mythological boogeyman (hence the clown suit and file-sharpened teeth) who kidnaps and punishes unruly children by snaring them in a gunny sack and carrying them off to be consumed for breakfast.

    Condition:
  • This lot is in overall good condition with several spots of surface soiling and minor craquelure in the green pigment of the canvas This lot has evidence of restoration on the bottom left of the canvas and the frame. Framed lots were not examined out of the frame. This report will not disclose any condition issues associated with the frame. Condition notes are provided as a courtesy and the Larsen Gallery provides no warranties that this information is accurate or complete.

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April 26, 2025 10:00 AM MST
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