H x W x D: 27.2 x 8.3 x 11.3 cm (10 11/16 x 3 1/4 x 4 7/16 in.)
Type:
Figure
Geography:
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date:
Early to mid-20th century
Label Text:
Heavily damaged and with a surface altered by its European owners, this Luba object testifies to changes in taste and standards among both collectors and museums. Originally it was owned by poet Paul Eluard, one of the founders of the surrealist movement and a friend of Pablo Picasso. Later the sculpture was part of the influential Helena Rubinstein collection. The 1966 auction of the Rubinstein's art at Parke-Bernet in New York city is a landmark event in the history of African art. This event is credited with raising awareness of African art among both art collectors, and the public.
Description:
Wood standing female figure missing proper left arm and base.
Provenance:
Paul Eluard, Paris, before 1952
Helena Rubinstein [Princess Gourielli], -- to1966
David Lloyd Kreeger, Washington, D.C., 1966-1968
Exhibition History:
African Sculpture, Princeton University Art Museum, February 2-March 14, 1971, no. 140
The Language of African Art, Museum of African Art at the Smithsonian Institution Fine Arts & Portrait Gallery, May 24-September 7, 1970
Published References:
Museum of African Art. 1970. The Language of African Art. Washington D.C.: Museum of African Art, no. 386.
Museum of African Art. 1971. African Sculpture at Princeton University from the Museum of African Art. Washington, D.C.: Museum of African Art, no. 140 (not illustrated).
Parke-Bernet, N.Y. 1966. African and Oceanic Art: The Collection of Helena Rubinstein, auction catalogue, (April 21, 29), 2469, no. 222.
Portier, A. and F. Poncetton. 1956. Les Arts Sauvages: Afrique, pl. xix, no. 23.
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
