A very impressive African, or Haitian sculpture which appears to have
considerable age.
Ironwood is an especially hard wood that does not float and is exceedingly difficult to work with the hand tools that were used to create these pieces. This sculpture is carved from a large billet of ironwood, a consideral amount of which had to be chisled and sawn away to reveal the figures.
We do not think this a 'Tourist' piece. The sculpture shows considerable age in our opinion. The standing figure appears to represent an individual of high rank and/or power whose facial features are exceedingly well modeled. The second figure's face is also superbly modeled and very finely finished. The figure/s are presented somewhat in the abstract and executed with great skill. We
believe this sculpture held considerable meaning for the artist, and is open to several interpretations by viewers. In the late nineteenth century African works of this quality had considerable influence on the development of European art.
We can't determine if this sculpture was created in Africa, or by a sculptor of African origin in the New World.
This piece is in fine condition. The ironwood has lovely grain that the carver used to advantage in his work. The wood has good age patina and is dry with some surface ageing on the back. At some point in its history a wedge shaped piece of ironwood, ebony, or lignum vitae has been glued on the base to make the piece stand more upright.
This exceptional sculpture has the personality and artistic merit that should appeal to the collector.
Dimensions: height 23 3/4", width 6", depth 4"
Price: $395.00
|
