Belle statue, Téké, République du Congo

 

Ancienne collection William W. Brill, New York, inv. n° 131 inscrit à l'encre sur le talon gauche et sur le socle.

Exposée et reproduite dans:
Selections from the William W.Brill Collection of African Art, 1969: 28, n°43, catalogue de l'exposition, Milwaukee Public Museum, Wisconsin, 5 mai - 31 aout, 1969; St Paul Art Center, Minnesota, 23 octobre - 21 décembre 1969; Tweed Art Gallery, Duluth, 14 janvier - 22 février 1970

Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. The end of of the right foot is broken and missing. A filled crack on the right side, running from the ear to the calf.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A la puissante dynamique des formes, jouant sur la stricte stylisation en volumes géométriques et sur l'accentuation des points de rupture, s'ajoute l'intensité de l'expression : les traits serrés mis en valeur par les scarifications obliques envahissant le visage. La dimension et la coiffure à cimier médian - portée par les chefs Téké et les notables de haut rang - autorisent à présumer de l'importance de l'ancêtre représenté. Belle et très ancienne patine brune, profonde, grumeleuse sur le torse et le visage.

A fine Teke figure, the Republic of the Congo

As well as its powerful formal dynamism, which plays upon the strict geometry of the volumes and upon the points of rupture, this figure is distinguished by the intensity of its expression, with the compact arrangement of the features enhanced by the scarification marks which run across the face. The size of the figure and its medial crested head-dress, of a type which was worn by Teke chiefs and others of high-rank, indicate the importance of the ancestor which the figure represents. Very fine and old deep brown patina, friable on the torso and face.