STATUETTE, SÉNUFO, CÔTE D'IVOIRE |

Maurice Nicaud (1911-2003), Paris
Collection Marceau Rivière, Paris, acquis ca. 1975

Amiens, Chapelle de la Visitation, Arts et peuples du Mali, 23 avril - 3 mai 1994

Bastin, Introduction aux Arts d'Afrique Noire, 1984, p. 111 et 408, n° 85
Arts d'Afrique Noire, Eté 1991, n° 78, p. 14
Ndiaye, Arts et peuples du Mali, 1994, p. 68-69, n° 107
Boyer, Girard et Rivière, Arts premiers de Côte d'Ivoire, 1997, p. 28 et 125, n° 9

Good condition overall. Wear constant with age and use within the culture. The front of the proper right foot has been broken and glued while the left one is broken at both the front and the rear. An open crack runs down the right side of the head and a thinner one is visible to the chest. Exceptional deep dark patina with earthy tones in the recesses.
"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."

Au sein du large corpus de la statuaire Sénufo cette œuvre s’affirme par l'exceptionnelle dynamique de ses volumes - jouant sur les rythmes successifs, la triangulation, la juxtaposition des plans et l'accentuation des points de rupture. Ces caractéristiques permettent de l'attribuer aux Sénufo septentrionaux influencés par la construction en volumes anguleux de la statuaire des Turka, peuple voisin situé à la frontière du Mali et du Burkina-Faso. Elle renvoie également de manière saisissante au vocabulaire qui fonda le Cubisme, et pour les artistes modernes en général, les recherches plastiques sur le mouvement.