Lot 24
  • 24

Lofty Bardayal Nadjamerrek born circa 1926 MEN AND WOMEN AT SACRED PLACE OF THE EARLY DREAMTIME

Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 AUD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Lofty Bardayal Nadjamerrek
  • MEN AND WOMEN AT SACRED PLACE OF THE EARLY DREAMTIME
  • bears artist's name and title on Church Missionary Society, Oenpelli, label on the reverse
  • natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark
  • 50.5 BY 58.5CM

Provenance

Painted in Western Arnhem Land in the 1960s
Church Missionary Society, Oenpelli
Private collection, USA

Condition

The pigment appears in good condition overall with minor areas of surface rubbing and scuffing. There appear to be no repairs or restoration.
"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

This painting is a rare early work by acclaimed Western Arnhem Land artist Lofty Bardayal Nadjamerrek who was recently awarded with the Order of Australia, and is widely considered the greatest living artist of the Oenpelli region. This painting is unlike his later work which is renowned for its fine line work and attention to detail, painted in a loose and more abstracted style and infused with a dynamic energy akin to rock painting.