CHARLIE NUMBULMOORE

Acquired directly from the artist by two brothers jackarooing in the Northern Territory and Western Australia during the late 1960s
Private collection, New South Wales

Loosly mounted with nails to 1960s/1970s frame. Pigment appears in good/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."

Cf. For related paintings and a discussion on the artist see Crawford, I. M., The Art of the Wanjina, Aboriginal Cave Paintings in the Kimberley Western Australia, Oxford University Press, London, 1968; McCourt,T., Aboriginal Artefacts, Rigby Press, Australia, 1975; Ryan, J. and Kim Akerman (eds.), Images of Power, Aboriginal
Art from the Kimberley, National Gallery of Victoria, 1993.

Charlie's Wanjina figures are generally readily identifiable. Those that are shown head and shoulders only are usually solid white (invariably derived from the mineral huntite) figures with details added in red, black and yellow. In the centre of the chest a solid, usually black but occasionally red, oval form said to depict the sternum/heart or a pearl shell pendant.

The almost circular heads are surrounded by a very regular, tripartite halo that represents a headdress (and hair/clouds/lightning).The large round, black eyes fringed with short, delicate lashes usually occupy a greater proportion of the head in Numblemoore's Wanjinas than in those painted by other artists. Similarly Charlie's Wanjinas have well defined, long narrow parallel-sided noses, flared at the very tip and with the nostrils invariably depicted. 

Sotheby's wishes to thank Kim Akerman for this catalogue entry.