Saphir (ship)

Saphir painted in 1741

Saphir was a French slave ship that operated out of La Rochelle in France.

Slave voyages

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

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

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

1. "Voyage Information". www.slavevoyages.org.
2. "Voyage Information". www.slavevoyages.org.
3. "Tableau, ex-voto : Le Saphir". www.pop.culture.gouv.fr.
4. "Le Saphir de Saint-Louis (2015)". en.unifrance.org.