Details

Provenance

Acquired directly from the artist, London, c.1961 Rosebery's, Mid 20th Century, 01 November 2014, Lot 427 Acquired from the above sale by the present owner Catalogue note The present lot was likely inspired by Fang sculpture as evidenced in the long neck and the high, domed forehead. It is known that Jacob Epstein admired Ben Enwonwu’s work, and Enwonwu must have seen Epstein’s famous collection of Fang art when he visited his house in the late 1940s. We know Enwonwu was very interested in classical African art and studied African sculpture in other collections including the National Museum in Lagos and the British Museum in London. The sketch verso most likely depicts Kurmi Market in Kano, where Enwonwu visited in 1951. Additional Notices & Disclaimers Please note that Condition 12 of the Conditions of Business for Buyers (Online Only) is not applicable to this lot.

Catalog summary

Ben Enwonwu Nigerian 1921-1994 Untitled signed and dated 1955 (lower centre right) gouache on paper 57.5 by 37cm., 22⅝ by 14⅝in. framed: 73.3 by 51.5cm., 28⅞ by 20¼in. Provenance Acquired directly from the artist, London, c.1961 Rosebery's, Mid 20th Century, 01 November 2014, Lot 427 Acquired from the above sale by the present owner Catalogue note The present lot was likely inspired by Fang sculpture as evidenced in the long neck and the high, domed forehead. It is known that Jacob Epstein admired Ben Enwonwu’s work, and Enwonwu must have seen Epstein’s famous collection of Fang art when he visited his house in the late 1940s. We know Enwonwu was very interested in classical African art and studied African sculpture in other collections including the National Museum in Lagos and the British Museum in London. The sketch verso most likely depicts Kurmi Market in Kano, where Enwonwu visited in 1951. Additional Notices & Disclaimers Please note that Condition 12 of the Conditions of Business for Buyers (Online Only) is not applicable to this lot.