COUPE, KUBA, RÉPUBLIQUE DÉMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO |

Merton Simpson (1928-2013), New York
Collection Marceau Rivière, Paris, acquis ca. 1980

Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Tiny marks, nicks, scratches and chips to the wood throughout. Some stabilised cracks to both sides of the head and to the front of the neck and base of the cup. Beautiful deep dark patina with lighter and glossy nuances in 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."

Les coupes anthropomorphes et céphalomorphes, réservées à l'usage des chefs et des notables Kuba, témoignent de la compétition permanente établissant, par la beauté de l'œuvre, le prestige de l'artiste et de ses commanditaires. Ici, avec un vrai génie artistique, le sculpteur a porté à son paroxysme l'idéal de beauté en pays Kuba : cou long, yeux étirés en grains de café, ligne ininterrompue des sourcils s'abaissant à la naissance du nez court, ample front aux tempes évasées en une courbe tendue. Le superbe équilibre des traits est accentué par les motifs scarifiés et ornementaux, et la superbe finesse de la gravure et des modelés, mise en valeur par la patine brune, brillante.