Lot 20
  • 20

Jimmy Mijau Mijau circa 1897-1985

Estimate
5,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description

  • Jimmy Mijau Mijau
  • Nawarran (The Rock Python) 
  • Bears inscription "sugarbag" in chalk, together with Spence Museum catalogue number 22 on the reverse.
  • Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark
  • 78cm by 41.5cm

Provenance

Painted in Western Arnhem Land circa 1959

G.W. Spence, Gardens Museum and Gallery, Darwin

Dr George Gill, Kansas, USA, 1967

The Spence-Gill Collection, Wyoming USA

Sotheby's, Important Aboriginal Art, Melbourne, 28 June, 1999, lot 109 (AU634)

Fiona Brockhoff, Melbourne

Literature

Cf. Caruana, W., Aboriginal Art, Thames and Hudson, 1989, pp.30-33, pl 5; for a closely related painting of the same subject matter, collected by Karel Kupka, and now in the collection of the National Gallery of Australia.

“The coiled figure of the snake… represents Nawarran, the rock python. The radiating stripes of body patterning in this figure, creates an intense visual impact which evokes the formidable power of this species.” (ibid, p.30)

Condition

The bark is mounted on an aluminium bracing system attached with transparent Perspex clips. There are four holes in the upper and lower registers where the painting would have been attached by wires to a mounting system in the past. There are countless areas of paint loss on the snake image visible in the catalogue illustration, and a few tiny areas where the painting is unstable or flaking and consolidation is recommended. 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."