Baule Seated Male Figure, Ivory Coast

Private Collection, Rotterdam
Michel Thieme, Amsterdam, acquired from the above
Sotheby's Paris, December 5, 2007, lot 33
Acquired by the present owner at the above auction

Very good condition for an object of this type and age. General marks, nicks, scratches, minor chips and abrasions consistent with age. Some vertical age cracks including to stool, to proper left thigh of figure, to back extending along the spine from coiffure to seat, and to proper left side of head behind the ear. Fiber beard with some fraying and small losses. Fine varied aged dark brown crusty patina with black and red pigment and splatters of various ritually applied materials. Underside of foot with surface erosion, remains of insect casings, and a modern drill hole with black adhesive from a previous base.
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.

The offered lot originates from the workshop of an unknown Baule master, active in the 19th and early 20th century in central Ivory Coast.  Sculptures by this workshop are distinguished by the fairly naturalistic body proportions, a reddish-brown patina, and the attachment of plant fibers for hair.  For works by the main artist see a male figure, seated on a leopard, in The Menil Collection, Houston (Van Dyke 2008: 111, cat. 43); a second male figure, seated on a stool, in the American Museum of Natural History, New York (Vogel 1988: 163); a third male figure, seated on a leopard, and a male mask, both previously in the collection of Pierre Vérité (Enchères Rive Gauche, Paris, June 17-18, 2006, lots 134 and 164).  Later works from this workshop still feature the attachment of fibers but are overall less refined and have a different, medium to dark brown patina.  The offered lot is such a work; for another see Vogel (1997: 189) and Christie's Paris, June 15, 2010, lot 30 and cover.