Hugo França
"Taja" Settee
Authenticity guarantee
What is guaranteed?
Property from an Important American Collection
Hugo França
"Taja" Settee
circa 2007
pequi wood
impressed HUGO/FRANCA
44½ x 92⅛ x 66¼ in. (113 x 234 x 168.3 cm)
Overall in very good condition. A monumental example of the artist’s unique technique with pequi wood, the present settee was carved from a single gigantic piece of wood and presents with spectacular presence when viewed in person. The wooden surfaces have recently been reconditioned by a professional conservator to restore the rich original appearance of the wood. The wood colors range from light russet brown to taupe, adding great dynamism to the settee. The wooden surfaces present with a variety of textures, crevices, splits and hairlines which are all stable and inherent to the wood selection and the artist’s practice. The wooden surfaces with occasional areas of discoloration to the finish concentrated to the back of the piece, as well as minor edge abrasions and losses which are not visually distracting. Some of the hairlines appear to have been sensitively filled, possibly at the time of production.
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.
Working with salvaged fallen trunks from the south Bahia rainforest in eastern Brazil, Hugo França harnesses the natural power and presence of colossal pequi trees and translates it into superbly sculpted forms. Motivated by what he calls "minimum intervention," França's designs expand upon the indigenous practices of the Pataxó Indians of the region, with whom he studied woodworking for over ten years.