- 51
Large Nayarit Standing Couple, Ixtlán del Río style Protoclassic, ca. 100 B.C.-A.D. 250
Estimate
45,000 - 55,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- clay
- Heights: 24 1/2 in and 24 3/4 in (62.2 cm and 62.9 cm)
the marriage couple of monumental size and highly stylized form distinguished by the exaggerated feet, each with similar lively expression of wide oval eyes and parted lips showing teeth indicating their active speech, each wearing rounded headband and the faces highlighted by geometric tattoos, the female holding a wide bowl on her shoulder, her body marked by tattoos and wearing a patterned skirt and short cape on the shoulder, the male in a tunic and holding a fan.
Provenance
Al Lawrence Collection, active in the late 1960's-1970's, and business partner of William and Mildred Kaplan
Lands Beyond Gallery, New York, acquired from the above
Jack Tanzer Collection, New York, acquired from the above
Sotheby's, New York, November 27 and 28, 1984, lot 101, consigned by the above
Lands Beyond Gallery, New York, acquired from the above
Jack Tanzer Collection, New York, acquired from the above
Sotheby's, New York, November 27 and 28, 1984, lot 101, consigned by the above
Condition
Overall both very good; nice root marks visible on surface and good overall coloring and patina. Female repairs include repair across the neck and two portions of PR shoulder, bowl appears intact, face and ornaments very good. Male figure also generally very good, repairs include PR foot and leg also mid leg of PL leg, nice details of tunic front and back, appears to be repair vertically down the back and some associated cracks extending from that line, fan appears intact.
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.
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 animated marriage couple is one of the largest examples within the important genre of ancestral sculptures of ancient West Mexico. The similar body designs, elaborate ornamentation and posture of the figures unites them, yet each displays the particular accoutrement- bowl or weapon-of their ascribed roles.
The exaggerated feet are a characteristic of the style, supporting the figures firmly and in contrast to the small heads and arms. This caricature of form was one element of Pre-Columbian art that was influential on various 20th c. artists including Miguel Covarrubias, Diego Rivera, Fernando Botero, Henry Moore, and Joaquin Torres-García among others.
For a very similar couple, see Townsend (1998:91, Fig. 4, cat. no. 195).
The exaggerated feet are a characteristic of the style, supporting the figures firmly and in contrast to the small heads and arms. This caricature of form was one element of Pre-Columbian art that was influential on various 20th c. artists including Miguel Covarrubias, Diego Rivera, Fernando Botero, Henry Moore, and Joaquin Torres-García among others.
For a very similar couple, see Townsend (1998:91, Fig. 4, cat. no. 195).