Haitian

Murat Brierre

Haiti 1938-1988
Untitled (Christ's Passion) 90.0009

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Murat Brièrre was both a well-known painter and sculptor. Before becoming a professional artist, he supported himself as a carpenter, brick mason, and blacksmith. Brièrre began painting in his free time, and was introduced to the Centre d'Art in 1966 by fellow Haitian painter Rigaud Benoit. He studied sculpture at the Centre, and also became George Liautaud's first student. Liautaud is credited with starting the tradition of creating metal sculptures in Haiti. Before his death, Brièrre became one of Haiti's most well-known artists. Brièrre often draws on either vodou or Christianity for his subject matter. Here he creates a complex image related to Christ's Passion. The artist creates an intricate depiction within the larger shape of Christ's head. The keys on the right often appear in popular Catholic chromolithographs of Saint Peter with the keys to heaven. In Christian belief the cock is the animal that crowed three times to mark Peter's betrayal. Both Christ in the center and his attacker wield cross-shaped daggers. This linoleum print most likely served as a preliminary study. Brièrre did create at least one iron sculpture after this image, although he is not known for his print work.

 

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