Blackamoor (decorative arts)

Blackamoor is a type of figure and visual trope in European decorative art, typically found in works from the Early Modern period, depicting a man of sub-Saharan African descent, usually in clothing that suggests high status.

Common examples of items and objects decorated in the blackamoor style include sculpture, jewellery, and furniture.

In jewelry, blackamoor figures usually appear in antique Venetian earrings, bracelets, cuff links, and brooches (Moretto Veneziano).

Blackamoor jewelry is also traditionally produced, based on legend found in Fiume, such as earrings and brooches under the name Morčić or Moretto Fiumano.

The Mohr mit Smaragdstufe ("Moor with Emerald Cluster"), in the collection of the Grünes Gewölbe in Dresden, Germany, created by Balthasar Permoser in 1724, is a richly decorated statue with jewels, 63.8 cm (25.1 in) tall.

It was cast after a model by John Nost I for William III of England's Privy Garden at Hampton Court Palace.

When she started traveling abroad, she was amazed that she could find collectible pieces in other parts of the world that told the same story as Black American History.

"[19] Blackamoors have a long history in decorative art, stretching back to 17th century Italy and the famous sculptor Andrea Brustolon (1662–1732).

[3] Art historian Adrienne Childs criticised the "romanticised" depictions and interpretations of blackamoor pieces, arguing that the depictions of black people in the blackamoor style obscured and made palatable the existence of slaves in the colonies, and evidenced "a culture that marginalised and dominated blacks".

Other similarly derived words include Kammermohr, Matamoros, Maure, Mohr im Hemd, Moresca, Moresche, Moresque, Moreška, Morianbron, Morisco, Moros y cristianos, and Morris dance.