- 16
Attributed to Muramba RAINBOW SERPENT ATTACKED BY AN EAGLE
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 AUD
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Description
- Attributed to Muramba
- RAINBOW SERPENT ATTACKED BY AN EAGLE
- bears artist's name Muramba, title, Church Missionary Society, Oenpelli label and descriptive notes on the reverse
- natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark
- 45.7 BY 55.2CM
Provenance
Painted at Oenpelli (Gunbalanya), Western Arnhem Land
Church Missionary Society, Oenpelli
Collection of William McE. Miller, Jr, USA
Church Missionary Society, Oenpelli
Collection of William McE. Miller, Jr, USA
Exhibited
The Art of Arnhem Land: From the Collection of William McE. Miller, Jr, The Taylor Museum of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 1966, cat.no.48
Literature
R. L. Shalkop, The Art of Arnhem Land: From the Collection of William McE. Miller, Jr, Colorado: The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 1966, cat.no.48
Condition
The bark painting has a Certificate of Exemption from Export Control and can therefore be exported from Australia freely.
There are no repairs or restorations. There is pigment loss in numerous areas, particularly in outlines of the serpent although remaining pigments appear stable. Minor hairline cracks appear on the surface.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The Art of Arnhem Land exhibition catalogue states: 'Thirteen miles from Oenpelli, at the bottom of a rock pool, sleeps the mythical Rainbow Serpent. During the dry season, if its sleep is disturbed it rises up in anger to devour those who have offended it. When the rainy season comes, it ascends into the sky to form a rainbow. The eagle having smelled the bodies of those who have been devoured, is attacking the Rainbow Serpent as it rises'.