Black History Month: Race and Representation in 18th Century France

This October we celebrate Black History Month through the stories, voices, and histories connected to our collection.

With a focus on Nattier's Mademoiselle de Clermont en sultane, this talk will explore how the inclusion of six unidentified black women reinforces ideas of wealth, status, and exoticism, while raising important questions about race and power in French Society. Learn how these often-overlooked black figures were frequently included as an adornment to the white sitter, rendering their humanity invisible.

Places are limited and allocated first-come, first-served on the day.