- 130
Fang Mask, Gabon
Estimate
100,000 - 150,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- wood, fibers
- Height of wood: 9 1/2 in (24.1 cm)
Provenance
Marcia and Irwin Hersey, New York, by 1980
Blossom and Dwight Strong, San Francisco, acquired from the above
Acquired by the present owner from the above
Blossom and Dwight Strong, San Francisco, acquired from the above
Acquired by the present owner from the above
Exhibited
C.W.Post Art Gallery, Greenvale, New York, African Sculpture: The Shape of Surprise, February 17 - March 30, 1980
The Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, San Francisco, East of the Atlantic, West of the Congo: Art from Equatorial Africa. The Dwight and Blossom Strong Collection, July 15 - November 26, 1995
The Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, San Francisco, East of the Atlantic, West of the Congo: Art from Equatorial Africa. The Dwight and Blossom Strong Collection, July 15 - November 26, 1995
Literature
Susan Vogel, African Sculpture: The Shape of Surprise, Greenvale, 1980, p. 36, cat. 118
Leon Siroto, East of the Atlantic, West of the Congo: Art from Equatorial Africa. The Dwight and Blossom Strong Collection, San Francisco, 1995, p. 26, cat. 3
Leon Siroto, East of the Atlantic, West of the Congo: Art from Equatorial Africa. The Dwight and Blossom Strong Collection, San Francisco, 1995, p. 26, cat. 3
Condition
Very good condition overall for an object of this type and age. Minor nicks, scratches, and surface abrasions throughout. Hairline cracks and insect damage on reverse. Exceptionally fine aged light brown patina with kaolin and dark pigment. Various labels and inscriptions on reverse including: "CU", "AF214", "[...] 49", "412", "L95.26.36". Various attachments including raffia, red and faded blue fabric, and rope. The raffia, in exceptionally good state of preservation, very dry and fragile.
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 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.
Catalogue Note
Fang sculpture has long been one of the most admired and sought after genres of African art. In the early 20th century it famously provided inspiration to the avant-garde artists in the circle of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque with its highly-stylized, cubist forms. A four-faced ngongtan helmet mask from the same workshop as the present mask is in the Musée Dapper, Paris (Neyt 2010: 45, fig. 11). Another previously in The Gustave and Franyo Schindler Collection is now in the Dallas Museum of Art (inv. no. "1974.SC.33", Walker 2009: 273, cat. 101).