Saphir (ship)
Saphir was a French slave ship that operated out of La Rochelle in France.
Slave voyages
[edit]Saphir completed two slave voyages. The first in 1737[1] and the second in 1741.[2] During the second voyage the wind did not blow leaving the crew and enslaved people stranded at sea without sufficient food and water. A revolt by the enslaved people erupted.[3]
Painting
[edit]Saphir was painted by an unknown artist in 1741, the painting is located in the Sailors Chapel of Saint Louis Cathedral in La Rochelle, France. It is a protected national object owned by the government of France.[3]
The painting is ex-voto and depicts the ship in control of the enslaved people who are offering gifts to Jesus, shown in the clouds and holding His Cross while raising a hand in blessing.[3]
Documentary
[edit]A French documentary film about the ship was released in 2015. The film is called Sapphire of St. Louis and was directed by José Luis Guerín.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ "Voyage Information". www.slavevoyages.org.
- ^ "Voyage Information". www.slavevoyages.org.
- ^ a b c "Tableau, ex-voto : Le Saphir". www.pop.culture.gouv.fr.
- ^ "Le Saphir de Saint-Louis (2015)". en.unifrance.org.