Haitian Voodoo Ghede Loas Baron Samedi Original Oil on Canvas Signed

The present work depicts two men in top hats flanking a large decorated Haitian tanbou drum. The men represent a notorious figure in Haitian Vodou: Baron Samedi, the master of the dead, or spirit of death. He is seen as an elegantly dressed figure in a tailcoat and top hat, perhaps smoking a cigar. His role is to make sure the dead stay dead. He is infamous for his appalling behavior, swearing and making filthy jokes as he interacts with other spirits. Baron Samedi leads the Gede, or Ghede, family and rules the cemetery.

Spirit of Death and Life: He rules over the dead, cemeteries, resurrection, and healing. Ghede (also spelled Gede or Guédé) refers to a family or nation of loa (spirits) in Haitian Vodou that embody the dual powers of death and fertility. Bridge to the Dead: The Ghede are ancestral spirits that link the living to the spiritual world. Life and Rebirth: Because death is viewed as a natural part of the cycle of life, the Ghede are closely tied to sexuality, birth, and the protection of children. Rowdy and Humorous: Unlike more severe spirits, the Ghede are known as raunchy, witty jokers. They often use dark humor, sexual innuendo, and profanity during possession to shock people and strip away pretentiousness. Haitian Vodou merges Catholic and African beliefs into a unique set of rituals; the painting, with two views of Baron Samedi, is a prime example of the genre.

Gerald Valcin is a Haitian primitive master. The National Gallery of Art in Washington considers him one of the top 10 most important Haitian painters. Most of his work is inspired by Vodou Spirits, beliefs, and ceremonies. Many major museums hold his work in their permanent collections, including the National Gallery of Art, Washington; the Milwaukee Art Museum; the Lowe Art Museum, Miami; and the Waterloo Center for the Arts. The work is signed and dated 82 lower left, framed by House of Heydenryk. Provenance: Collection of Mark Seidenfeld, New York. 21.74 x 17.5