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Hôtel des Ventes de Troyes

125 - Igbo mask, Nigeria Materials: Wood and pigments.
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Estimate €300 - €500
Sale commission
Description
Igbo mask, Nigeria Materials: Wood and pigments. Base included (gallery condition). Provenance: From James "Joopie" Permeke, grandson of the painter Constant Permeke. The objects presented in this sale come from the collection of James "Joopie" Permeke, grandson of the painter Constant Permeke. Joopie" Permeke, grandson of major Belgian artist Constant Permeke. Kept in the family family for several decades, this collection bears witness to a provenance directly linked to one of the directly linked to one of Belgium's most important artistic lineages of the 20th century. Dimensions: H. 28 cm (41 cm with stand) This remarkable mask illustrates one of the pinnacles of classical Igbo aesthetics. The oval face of harmonious proportions proportions is enlivened by delicate ridged eyelids, a finely sculpted mouth and a very sober painted decoration. sobriety. The black motifs framing the mouth and eyes reinforce the graphic elegance of the whole and The black motifs framing the mouth and eyes reinforce the graphic elegance of the piece and reflect the refinement sought in idealised female representations. The surface has a beautiful old patina, with consistent wear to the pigments and reliefs. The traces of time, visible without altering the reading quality of the work, underline its traditional interest and give this mask a particularly seductive presence. mask a particularly attractive presence. The balance of the volumes, the finesse of the carving and the softness of the curves reflect the skill of an experienced artist. artist. With its purity of line and remarkable sense of formal synthesis, this mask evokes some of the aesthetic research that marked the avant-garde. the European avant-garde of the early 20th century. Its pure, almost meditative face has that timeless quality that enabled African art to exert a lasting influence on modern sculpture and painting. and painting. It is also worth noting that a number of stylistic elements in this work have echoes in certain bodies of Ivorian masks. in certain bodies of Idoma masks from central Nigeria, bearing witness to the rich artistic exchanges that history of forms in West Africa. More than a simple ritual object, this mask appears today more than a simple ritual object, this mask today appears to be a work of great modern plasticity, whose expressive power remains intact. Mask
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About the sale ARTS OF AFRICA & OCEANIA: Three exceptional family collections
Auction location
Auction time 06/22/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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