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A Magnificent Vili Kneeling Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 USD
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Description
the kneeling figure with wide shoulders and hands touching the abdomen, the openwork arms held to the abdomen, with almond-shaped vertical scarification marks on front and back, the massive upturned head with delicate features and wearing a conical coiffure, with cloth wrapped around the body and fiber around the neck; exceptionally fine lustrous dark brown patina with residue.
Provenance
Joseph Henrion, Brussels
Marc Leo Felix, Brussels
Helmut Stern, Ann Arbor
Exhibited
Purchase, The African-American Institute, Masterpieces of the Peoples Republic of the Congo, September 25, 1980 - January 24, 1981
Minneapolis, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Spirits Embodied: Art of the Congo. Selections from the Helmut F. Stern Collection, October 1, 1999 - July 2, 2000
St. Paul, Hamlin University Art Galleries, Icons of Perfection: Figurative Sculpture from Africa, December 2, 2005 - February 11, 2006
Minneapolis, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Spirits Embodied: Art of the Congo. Selections from the Helmut F. Stern Collection, October 1, 1999 - July 2, 2000
St. Paul, Hamlin University Art Galleries, Icons of Perfection: Figurative Sculpture from Africa, December 2, 2005 - February 11, 2006
Literature
The African-American Institute (ed.), Masterpieces of the Peoples Republic of the Congo, Purchase, 1980, p. 26, fig. 21
Evan M. Maurer and Niangi Batulukisi, Spirits Embodied: Art of the Congo. Selections from the Helmut F. Stern Collection, Minneapolis, 1999, pp. 64 and 74, fig. 6
Alisa McCusker and MacKenzie Moon (eds.), Icons of Perfection, Saint Paul, 2005, p. 37, fig. 20
Evan M. Maurer and Niangi Batulukisi, Spirits Embodied: Art of the Congo. Selections from the Helmut F. Stern Collection, Minneapolis, 1999, pp. 64 and 74, fig. 6
Alisa McCusker and MacKenzie Moon (eds.), Icons of Perfection, Saint Paul, 2005, p. 37, fig. 20
Condition
excellent condition overall; minor chips on front and back of base, drilled through base for mount; exceptionally fine lustrous dark brown patina with residue.
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.