Lot 136
  • 136

Sorel Etrog b. 1933

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 CAD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • Sorel Etrog
  • Sadko
  • signed ETROG and numbered 5/7
  • bronze
  • 59.1 by 40.0 by 39.4 cm.
  • 23 ¼ by 15 ¾ by 15 ½ in.

Provenance

Private Collection, Toronto

 

Literature

Pierre Restany, Sorel Etrog, Munich, 2001, p. 101

See pp. 105 and 106 for illustrations of other castings of Sadko

Condition

This work is in very good condition with no apparent issues under UV.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

This important sculpture was done in 1971-72 and is part of the Screws and Bolts series Etrog undertook as an extension of the Links series whereby he had created sculptures of multiple shapes joined by links.

In 1971, Etrog picked up an eyescrew on a Toronto street.  Etrog commented:

It reminded me of the Nagas, Indian deities who take the form of a snake-headed female dancer... What attracted me about the new work was the challenge of their simplicity, the sensual directness of the shapes.

He told his New York dealer, George Staempfl that "they were fresh, funny and erotic..."

Most of the items in the Screws and Bolts opus were painted in bold colours of automobile paint.  As a result of the first exhibition of these works, a commission for a larger version of Sadko was almost immediate.