1777 Buffon Albino African American
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1777 Buffon Albino African American
Plate I, page 564, Supplement of Volume IV of " L Histoire Naturelle" (servant de suite a l histoire naturelle de l homme). Published by M. le Comte de Buffon 1777 at L imprimerie Royale, Paris. A study of an Albino African American called Genevieve aged 18. She was carefully examined and her condition described by Buffon in 1777 while she was in France. She had been born and taken from St. Dominigo & Cuba. She reported her mother and father came from the Cote D Or (Ghana) and were not albinos. She resembles a woman drawn by Zoffany for John Hunter in the Royal College of Surgeons ten years later - and this may be a continuation of her life story. Buffon considered that such a mother may give birth to black & white children with a non-albino African American father. He had in mind Mary Sabina, a girl who probably suffered vitiligio (search Buffon vitiligo)
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6318419
© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com
18th Century Albino Black And White Buffon Cuba Genetic Histoire Naturelle Melanin Mutation Pigment Albinism Disorder Genevieve Ghana John Hunter Mono Chrome Recessive Vitiligo
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable study conducted by Buffon in 1777, featuring an Albino African American named Genevieve. At the tender age of 18, she was carefully examined and her condition meticulously described by Buffon himself during her stay in France. Originally born and taken from St. Dominigo & Cuba, Genevieve revealed that her parents hailed from the Cote D Or (Ghana) and were not albinos. The striking resemblance between Genevieve and a woman depicted in Zoffany's artwork for John Hunter at the Royal College of Surgeons ten years later suggests a possible continuation of her life story. Buffon hypothesized that if an African American mother like Genevieve gave birth with a non-albino African American father, it could result in children with both black and white pigmentation. Interestingly, Buffon had Mary Sabina in mind while formulating this theory – a girl who likely suffered from vitiligo (a condition worth exploring further under "Buffon vitiligo"). This thought-provoking illustration transports us back to the 18th century when scientific exploration into human genetics was still nascent. Paul D. Stewart's artistic rendition beautifully captures the essence of this historical figure, emphasizing her unique features as well as shedding light on genetic mutations such as albinism and vitiligo. It serves as a poignant reminder of our diverse world where individuals like Genevieve challenge traditional notions of beauty through their extraordinary appearances.
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