Subject: [Arts] Pierre Jacques Benoit - Painter (1782-1854)
Article:

He was born in 1782 in Antwerp (Blegium) and died in Brussels in 1854. He visited Suriname in 1831 and created a large number of drawings about life in Suriname. He made many trips into the interior and spent time among the Indians and Maroons. When not in the interior he spent time in Paramaribo painting. He paid for all the expenses himself. Why then did he come to Suriname ? His purpose to visit Suriname might surprise many. ...'He wanted to describe a colony for which there was not enough interest.' Captain J.G. Stedman lays a lot of stress of the misery of the slaves in his accounts of Suriname. On the other hand Pierre Jacques Benoit notes that the slaves were treated with gentleness. He insists that the colonists do not abuse their power. He contents that.."Suriname slave-owners, from humanitarian motives and from natural self-interest by no means treat their slaves as badly as is asserted by those who are in favor of abolition". Benoit was an opponent of the abolition of slavery. ---------


Met dank aan Albert Buys








Met dank aan Albert Buys