Statuette féminine, Sénufo, Côte d'Ivoire

L'attitude hiératique - buste droit, cou puis tête dans son stricte prolongement - est renforcée par la rigueur géométrique de la sculpture, juxtaposant formes rondes et contours anguleux, et jouant sur l'accentuation des plans de rupture. Dominé par l'extrémité saillante de la coiffe sagittale, le visage s'impose par la puissante opposition entre la face plane aux traits rectilignes et la rondeur de la tête. A la pure et belle simplicité des lignes répond la sobriété de l'ornementation - résumée aux triples scarifications labiales et aux bandes en chevrons gravées sur le cou. Belle patine nuancée, brun rouge.

Succession Singer, Westchester, début des années 1970
Guthaim Gallery, New York

Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. A number of hairline cracks and some cracks. Widest crack to proper left groin area, approximately 6cm x 3mm. Feet and proper right hand fragmentary. Two indigenously(?) filled areas: the larger to head at hairline (proper right) approximately 1cm x 0.5cm; the smaller on torso at proper right towards the back.
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.

Si les études sur le Primitivisme s'appuient le plus souvent sur les œuvres emblématiques de la grande statuaire et des masques, la petite statuaire en offre parfois, comme ici, une saisissante démonstration. Par la stylisation géométrique de ses formes, la pureté des lignes, l'accentuation des points de rupture, la transcription, sur le visage, des rapports de volumes à ceux de surface, cette statuette renvoie au vocabulaire formel élaboré par les artistes modernes.

A SENUFO FEMALE FIGURE, CÔTE D'IVOIRE

Although studies on Primitivism are usually centred on emblematic works of large-scale statues and masks, statuettes, like this one, frequently provide a striking demonstration of sculptural form.  The geometric stylisation of the forms of this statuette, together with the pure lines, emphasis placed on breaking points, and transcription, on the face, of the relationship between volumes to those on the surface, are echoed by the formal vocabulary elaborated by modern artists.