- 38
Elizabeth Catlett b. 1915
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
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Description
- Elizabeth Catlett
- Female torso
- alabaster on wooden base
- Height: 14 1/4 in.
- 36.2 cm.
Condition
A repair at the base of the left thigh, otherwise in good 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."
"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
Highly regarded as a sculptor, painter, printmaker and teacher, Catlett has been a major force in the African-American and Mexican art communities. Over her long career, she has used her considerable talent and skill in championing the cause of women, minorities and working people. Born in Washingtoan, DC, she was the child of two teachers. She studied art at Howard University, earning a Bachelor's Degree and then continued her studies at the University of Iowa, where she was the first woman of African-American descent to earn a Masters Degree. She was deeply influenced by her teacher there, Grant Wood, who encouraged his students to look to the subjects they knew best for inspiration. In her case, she focused on her racial heritage and women's issues. While her art exposes the harsh realities of life for the African-Amerian woman, it does so with tenderness and grace.
Catlett has spent much of her adult life in Mexico. She received a Rosenwald Fellowship to study there in 1946 and developed a working relationship with Diego Rivera, David Siqueiros and Francisco Mora, whom she later married. She became the first woman professor of sculpture and later Chair of the Department of Sculpture at the National School of Fine Arts Mexico.
Catlett has spent much of her adult life in Mexico. She received a Rosenwald Fellowship to study there in 1946 and developed a working relationship with Diego Rivera, David Siqueiros and Francisco Mora, whom she later married. She became the first woman professor of sculpture and later Chair of the Department of Sculpture at the National School of Fine Arts Mexico.