- 81
Bembe Seated Male Ancestor Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 USD
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Description
- wood, porcelain
- Height: 15 in (38 cm)
Provenance
John D. Graham, New York, 1920s - 1930s
Frank W. Crowninshield, New York, acquired from the above
Chaim and Renee Gross, New York, acquired from the above between 1940 and 1944
Sotheby's, New York, The Sculptor's Eye: African and Oceanic Art from The Renee and Chaim Gross Foundation, May 15, 2009, lot 62
Leslie Sacks, Los Angeles, acquired at the above auction
Frank W. Crowninshield, New York, acquired from the above
Chaim and Renee Gross, New York, acquired from the above between 1940 and 1944
Sotheby's, New York, The Sculptor's Eye: African and Oceanic Art from The Renee and Chaim Gross Foundation, May 15, 2009, lot 62
Leslie Sacks, Los Angeles, acquired at the above auction
Exhibited
Museum of African Art, Washington, D.C., The Sculptor's Eye: The African Art Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Chaim Gross, 1976 (additional venues: Worcester Art Museum, Worcester, November 5, 1976 - January 2, 1977; Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia, Athens, March 27 - May 1, 1977; Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati, May 17 - July 17, 1977)
Literature
Arnold Rubin, The Sculptor's Eye: the African Art Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Chaim Gross, Washington, D.C., 1976, p. 70, cat. 59b
Raoul Lehuard, Art Bakongo. Les Centres de Style, Arnouville, 1989, vol. II, p. 347, fig. G 3-2-1
Amanda M. Maples (ed.), African Art from the Leslie Sacks Collection: Refined Eye, Passionate Heart, Milan, 2013, pp. 100-101, 290, 292, 296, fig. 52
Raoul Lehuard, Art Bakongo. Les Centres de Style, Arnouville, 1989, vol. II, p. 347, fig. G 3-2-1
Amanda M. Maples (ed.), African Art from the Leslie Sacks Collection: Refined Eye, Passionate Heart, Milan, 2013, pp. 100-101, 290, 292, 296, fig. 52
Condition
Excellent condition overall for an object of this age and type, with wear consistent with age and use in the traditional context. A hole to the underside of the figure for a magical charge, with vegetal remains (presumably of a charge) remaining inside. Some tiny nicks, chips, and scuffs in places. Very fine nuanced, glossy, patina, with traces of earth in some of the recesses.
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.