TRIUMPH TO TRAGEDY BOOK FOUR COVER PAINTING IS UNDER WRAPS

Painting created by famed Miami Haitian Artist Carl Craig

On the heels of the Award-Winning Triumph To Tragedy Book Three, released last October 2023, Book Four of the saga is scheduled for release just a year later on October 8, 2024, at the iconic Sherry Netherland Hotel on 5th Avenue in Manhattan.

Quest Magazine of New York will host the event at the Doubles Club located within the hotel, with a guest list of VIP magazine subscribers expressing a distinct interest in historical novels.

“I am so appreciative of Chris Meigher, publisher of Quest Magazine, for this honor and the support he has given me these past few years,” stated the book’s author Daniel Bayard. “From the very beginning of this project with Book One, Chris has been enlightened by the history and encouraged me to pursue the telling of this history to not only his audience but to the public at large.

During the event, the cover of Book Four - The Clash of Pétion and Christophe will be unveiled including the actual commissioned painting for the cover by Carl Craig which he entitled “La Force ne fait pas l’Union.” The title evokes a profound historical reflection on the fragile unity that followed Haiti’s hard-won independence.

The painting’s narrative highlights the division between two key figures, General Henri Christophe and General Alexandre Pétion, whose differing visions for the new nation set the stage for conflict rather than cohesion. Despite their shared victory over colonial oppression, their inability to unite in governance is a central theme of the painting and the book itself.

“The painting captures the somber mood of a young nation at a crossroads, using dark, muted tones to symbolize the uncertainty and disillusionment that shadowed Haiti's early years of independence,”

“Overall, the painting serves as a poignant reminder of the complex and often tumultuous path of newly independent nations” … Carl Craig

explained artist Carl Craig of the work. “The conflicting leadership styles of Christophe, the self-proclaimed king, and Pétion, the mulatto president, reflect their divergent influences from the European military cultures of that era.”

No one, except the artist, the author, and historian Jean-Bernard Bayard, who collaborated on the project, has seen the painting as of yet, leaving that first look to the guests of Quest Magazine in October.

Also on the cover are the significant influence of women, such as Marie-Madeleine “Joute” Lachenais and Marie-Louise Coidavid, are also notable. These women, who played crucial roles during the independence struggle, continued to wield their power of influence, guiding and supporting their respective leaders.

“The piercing look in their eyes is a confirmation of the warrior mentality that dominates their being,” Carl interjects.

At the base of the painting is The Citadelle Laferrière, the largest fortress in the Western Hemisphere, which remains an enduring symbol of Haitian liberty and resistance. It stands as a guardian over the nation’s hard-won freedom from slavery. It represents the enduring spirit of liberty. Despite internal divisions and shattered dreams of unity, this cornerstone continues to prevail.

“Overall, the painting serves as a poignant reminder of the complex and often tumultuous path of newly independent nations, where the fight for freedom does not always guarantee unity or peace,” reminded Carl.

See Carl Craig’s fabulous works of art at his Maison Exquise.