A Superb Baule Seated Female Figure, Ivory Coast

Sandro Volta, Paris
Carlo Monzino, Castagnola, acquired from the above in 1969 with the assistance of Franco Monti 
European Private Collection, by descent from the above
Sotheby's, New York, May 19, 2001, lot 134
Robert T. Wall Family, Telluride, acquired at the above auction

 

 

Carlo Monzino, Castagnola, acquired from the above in 1969 with the assistance of Franco Monti

 

 

The Center for African Art, African Aesthetics, May 7 - September 7, 1986
Forte Belvedere, Florence, La Grande Scultura dell'Africa Nera, July 15 - October 29, 1989
Musée Dapper, Paris, Le Grand Héritage. Sculptures de l'Afrique Noire, May 21 - September 15, 1992
Lorenzelli Arte, Milan, Miniature Masks from West Africa, October - December, 1997

Karen Blixen, La Mia Africa-sculture dell'Africa Nera-fotografie di Mario Carrieri, Milano, 1981, plate 3 
Susan Vogel, African Aesthetics. The Carlo Monzino Collection, New York, 1986, p. 57, cat. 49
Ezio Bassani (ed.), La Grande Scultura dell'Africa Nera, Florence, 1989, cat. 50 
Ezio Bassani (ed.), Le Grand Héritage. Sculptures de l'Afrique Noire, Paris, 1992, p. 156 

Very good condition overall; two toes of proper left foot chipped, some insect damage between the breasts; areas of abrasion, wear and tear from traditional use; three braids on reverse of coiffure chipped, the edge of the left ear restored; small age crack through front proper right corner of seat; exceptionally fine reddish brown patina with traces of white pigment.
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 his discussion of the offered lot in the catalogue for his important exhibition La Grande Scultura dell'Africa Nera, Ezio Bassani (1989: 241, text to cat. 50) points out how the artist of this superb figure masterfully merges a naturalistic, delicate rendering of the human body with expressionistic features as seen in the enlargement of the oval head. "A major effort," he notes, "was reserved to the rendering of the human form which, in the delicate fullness of forms and the elegant contorsions, reveals a cascade of music" (translation by Sotheby's).