Blackamoor

Blackamoor figures (Italian moretto, moretti) are stylised renditions of dark-skinned Africans used in decorative art, sculpture, jewelry and armorial designs. They were particularly popular in the Early Modern period (roughly between 1500 and 1800) and represented the ‘exotic’ and mysterious.

The figures were a particular feature of Venetian jewellery – maybe because Venice was a very important trading port during this period and so had become particularly familiar with the ‘exotic’ traders from Africa and wider afield. The figures were used in brooches, cuff-links, bracelets and earrings.

The blackamoor figure is usually male, shown with some form of headdress – usually a turban, sometimes with feathers and covered in gold leaf and rich jewels. They are usually carved from ebony, or enamelled or painted black in contrast to the bright colours of the embellishments.

In decorative sculpture, they are shown with a full body either holding a tray as if they are servants, or as lighting sconces to hold light fixtures or candles. They are also often incorporated into tables, small stands or andirons for open fires.

The most important sculptor of blackamoors was Andrea Brustolon (1662 – 1732) who was based in Belluno near Venice and who sculpted in wood.