In the streets of Paris, the façade of Au Planteur, at 10 rue des Petits-Carreaux, remains a controversial subject. Classified as a historical monument since May 23, 1984, this painting on ceramic dates from 1890 and represents a black man in the service of a colonialist white man. It is one of the rare testimonies of the French colonial period in the capital.
The illustration, entitled"Au Planteur", was installed on the facade of a 19th century building to promote a store selling "exotic products" of which coffee was the main commodity offered. At the time, the term "planter" referred to a colonist who owned or operated a plantation. Today, this painting provokes debate and shocks some passers-by, raising the question of its relevance in the Parisian public space.
During a stroll between rue Montorgueil and rue des Petits-Carreaux, our attention is drawn to this strange illustration. Looking up at these old buildings with their singular charm, we can see this colonial scene, a testimony of another era.
As a fervent defender of heritage, it is essential to preserve this fresco but also to add an educational value to put the work in its historical context. The " Au planteur " sign is a testament to an imperialist and colonial past, a history that cannot be changed, but must be remembered.
It is important not to forget this dark period in our history. As Jean-Claude Barreau and Guillaume Bigot say in "Toute l'histoire du monde de la préhistoire à nos jours": "The French, and for that matter all Westerners, have become, for the most part, men without a past, "immémorants". The presence of this fresco in the public space requires an explanation to give meaning to the images and question our history.
The sign "Au Planteur" is one of only two signs from the colonial era still present in Paris, the other being "Au Nègre Joyeux", deposited in 2018 and joining the collections of the Musée Carnavalet. The question of the preservation or removal of these signs is a delicate one and gives rise to lively debate.
The Au Planteur facade in Paris raises ethical questions and invites reflection on our colonial past and its preservation or not. Preserving this fresco by adding an educational value would allow to preserve this historical testimony while engaging a reflection on the memories and the representations of the colonial period.
The preservation of these historical testimonies seems crucial in order not to obscure our history and to promote the understanding of our past. However, it would be interesting, even essential, to accompany these vestiges with educational and explanatory elements in order not to trivialize the sufferings and injustices experienced by the colonized populations.
The Au Planteur façade in Paris represents a unique opportunity for visitors to confront a part of French history and to question the memorial and ethical issues it raises. The preservation of this fresco can thus contribute to a better understanding of our colonial past, while encouraging a constructive and informed dialogue on cultural and historical representations.
In the interest of respect and awareness, the preservation of the Au Planteur façade should be accompanied by an educational and explanatory approach. This would contextualize the work, enrich our heritage, and encourage an informed exchange on colonial memories and the ethical issues that arise from them.
Location
To the Planter
10 Rue des Petits Carreaux
75002 Paris 2
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
