30532: Haeuber (ask) Question about Historical Haition Print (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

[Note from Bob Corbett:  I received this note a couple days ago.  I
don't have much interest in prints myself, but some of you out there
might.  It sounds interesting so I'm passing it on.   If interested,
please DIRECTLY contact Devora Haeuber at the address below]


From: Devora Haeuber <devoradoug5@comcast.net>

I recently came across a large (19 inches by 13.5 inches) black and white print 
(likely an aquatint) which is entitled, "Tombeau d'Alexandre Petion".  The 
center of the print is a large oval image of Petion in profile atop a classic 
marble bier with a number of engraved figures and to the left in relief on the 
bier a metal shield with the inscription "JP Boyer 30 Mars 1818" on it.

Above the image of Petion is a burst of sun coming through an opening in the 
clouds with the words "Liberte Egalite" written above a collection of symbols 
including two books, one labeled "Constitution d'Haiti" and the other "Haitian 
Code".  Below the image of Petion is another inscription: "Il n'a jamais fait 
couler les larmes de personne."  On either side of the bier is a soldier 
holding a rifle with bayonet; on the left is a causcasian, on the right is a 
black.

At the bottom, below the title of the print is a long inscription in script 
which reads in its entirety, "L'image d'Alexandre Petion reparait aut milieu de 
son Tombeaux deux Faisceaux emblemes de l'Union de la famille Haitienne en 
soutiennent le Sarcophage deux de ses Soldats gardent ce monument consacre a la 
Posterite de la Liberte et l'Egalite s'emanent les Rayons de sa gloire la 
Justice et la constitution en ferment le foyer le Bas-relief du Tombeau 
represente le Temps qui console la Republique en lui montrant sur le Bouclier 
de Mars le nom de celui que ses enfans ont choisi pour presider desormais sa 
Felicite et son Bonheur."

There is no discernible information about the artist or the engraver.  Since 
the margins around the print are quite narrow, it is possible that information 
was cut off to make the print fit a frame.

I find it a beautiful and intriguing print and wonder if you have encountered 
it previously in your study of Haiti.  If not, could you perhaps refer me to 
someone who might be able to give me information about the print and the name 
of the printmaker?  I would be happy to send digital images if you are 
interested.

Best regards,

Doug Haeuber
Princeton, New Jersey