Lot 29
  • 29

ARTIST UNKNOWN

Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 AUD
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Description

  • Artist Unknown
  • TWO BARRAMUNDI
  • Bears artist's name 'Coppa' on the reverse
  • Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark
  • 40 by 99 cm

Provenance

Collected in West Arnhem Land during the late 1950s by Dr Stuart Scougall
The Barnett Collection at Columbia University, New York
The Australia Gallery, New York
Private collection

Condition

The bark is roughly cut at the end and may have possibly been removed from a bark shelter. It is pierced twice at each end probably where it has been attachaed to a previous hanging system. There are a number of cracks and splits to the bark and a number of areas where the pigment is missing on the image. The painting is housed in a contemporary pale wooden frame mounted on a white background behind glass and appears in relatively stable condition.
"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."

Catalogue Note

The artist "Coppa" appears to be the same one identified as "Nicholas" in three paintings collected by Dr Scougall in 1960 and gifted to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney. These are illustrated in Perkins, H., Crossing Country: The Alchemy of Western Arnhem Land Art, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 2004, pp.41-42