“Serving coffee with a side of history” could be the motto of Au Planteur Sculpture. Today, we stand before a controversial yet historically significant piece of Parisian heritage. Au Planteur Sculpture is an old coffee, tea, and chocolate shop sign. It is located at 10-12, rue des Petits-Carreaux. This is in Paris’s 2nd arrondissement.
Imagine Paris in the 19th century. Charles Prévost and Frères opened a shop selling exotic goods. Coffee was a star. The Au Planteur sign was installed later. The sign depicts a Black man serving coffee to a white man. This ceramic tableau tells a story of its time.
Look closely at the details of Au Planteur Sculpture. A Black man is dressed in simple attire. He serves a white man in elegant colonial garb. The white man sits on bags of coffee. He enjoys his pipe. The contrast highlights the power dynamic. It is a stark reminder of colonialism. The signature “Crommer” marks the artist. The words “Au Planteur” are displayed above. “Aucune succursale” sits below. This indicated that the owner had no other shops.
Au Planteur Sculpture has faced scrutiny over the years. Some view it as a racist and colonialist relic. In 2021, black paint was thrown on the sign. This act shows the ongoing debate around its presence. Despite the controversy, the facade is a registered historical monument. It has been since 1984. This means it cannot be removed without permission. This permission must be granted from the Ministry of Culture.
The shop closed in the early 1980s. Today, two unrelated stores occupy the space. They are a cosmetics shop and a photography studio. Au Planteur Sculpture remains. It serves as a silent witness to the past. It reminds us of France’s colonial history.
Consider the role of public art. Should controversial pieces be preserved or removed? Au Planteur Sculpture prompts us to confront uncomfortable truths. It encourages dialogue about history, representation, and memory.
The sign was part of a photography exhibition in 2018. The exhibition documented colonial sites in Paris. These sites have often fallen into indifference. Au Planteur Sculpture stands as a reminder. Paris’s past is complex. It requires critical engagement.
As we leave Au Planteur Sculpture, reflect on its message. It is more than just an old sign. It is a symbol of a bygone era. It sparks conversations. It challenges us to think about the legacy of colonialism. Its future remains uncertain. The debates surrounding it continue to evolve. But its presence ensures that the past is not forgotten.