Lot 23
  • 23

Baimunungbi (“Jacky”) circa 1925-1979

Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 GBP
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Description

  • Namarnde Making Love with Two Wives
  • Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark (eucalyptus tetradonta)
  • 97cm by 69cm
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark

Provenance

Acquired from the artist at Mudjinberri (Mudjinbardi) by Lance Bennett, in 1966
The Thomas Vroom Collection, The Netherlands

Condition

The bark has been split longitudinally with a crack running from top to bottom, 20-25cm in from the facing left margin. This has been professionally restored from the back with a strip of linen adhered behind the crack to hold together and strengthen the bark. A few small areas of pigment loss, particularly near the upper things of the facing right figure and scattered in other places.
"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

Lance Bennett’s accompanying notes read in part, “Namarnde is a general term for the various spirits which inhabit the vast rocky Arnhem Lane plateau, a region which the Aborigines call ‘the stone country’… The artist has shown here a Namarnde spirit with his two wives. He is making love to his younger wife while the older wife waits.”