122. Masonic Funeral
n/d (20x24)

221. 'Henry Christophe…'
1961 (16x20)

   Sènêque was a younger brother of Philomé Obin. He was a less accomplished artist — but Sènêque's is also one of the great names in Haitian art.
   The authenticity of the three Loge Haitennes is attested to, in writing, by Othon — one of the artist's sons — and a work very similar to N^o 134 appears in one of my Haitian art books. I have my doubts; still:
   l the style and technique in each work seem genuine, and
   l I cannot discern, in any of the paintings, the style or technique of any other artist I know, including Othon, also a fine painter.
   The subjects are certainly in keeping with the artist's interest. Like his elder brother, Sènêque was a Baptist and an avid Freemason. Anyway, I like them all — even if I might have done with one or two fewer Loges.
   Like Masonic Funeral, Henry Christophe Roi d'Haïti is undoubtedly genuine. It was obtained by a couple in Montréal. They bought a home from the heirs to an estate; in the house were over two dozen Haitian paintings — all gems, many by 'old masters.'^H The sellers, having no interest in Haitian art, threw the paintings in gratis. The home-buyers sold most of the works at bargain prices; both they and I gained.
   It's fascinating to compare Sènêque's treatment of this subject with his brother's. Philomé's version, which I commissioned, was completed in 1980; Sènêque's is dated 'Cap Haïtien 61.'

^H Others in my collection are by Wesner LaForest, Sully Obin, and Micius Stéphane.

130. 'Loge Haitienne N^o 61'
n/d (20x24)

134. 'Loge Haitienne, N^o 61'

n/d (24x30)

138. 'Loge Haitienne, N^o 61'
           n/d (20x24)