Captured Seal Trying To Escape
5.5 cms x 12 cms (2.17 ins x 4.72 ins)
Lot offered for sale by Waddington's, Toronto at the auction event "First Arts: Inuit & First Nations Art" held on Tue, May 28, 2019.
Lot 9
Lot 9
Estimate: CAD $1,500 - $2,500
Realised: CAD $1,200
Realised: CAD $1,200
Lot description - from the online catalogue*
Provenance:
an Ottawa private collection; Isaacs/Innuit Gallery, Toronto; Hudson's Bay Company Collection, Winnipeg
Notes:
This remarkably naturalistic carving shows us just how early the realistic aesthetic took hold in Puvirnituq. The main influencer in this style was the famous Charlie Sivuarapik (1911-1968) but it is clear from this work that Qissualu was also a major talent. The sculpture has a marvelous sense of action and drama as the seal, captured but not killed, struggles to escape its hunter. The work is noteworthy not only for the naturalism of the carving but also for its carefully incised details. It is interesting to note the identical patterning on the seal and the hunter's clothing, indicating that his outfit is made entirely of sealskin.
Published: George Swinton, Eskimo Sculpture/Sculpture Esquimaude (McClelland & Stewart, 1965), p. 69. Swinton's landmark scholarly book was the first major publication devoted to Canadian Inuit art (note: the artist was identified first as Simon POV). Also published in George Swinton's classic Sculpture of the Inuit (McClelland & Stewart, 1972/92), fig. 339.
First Arts: Inuit & First Nations Art Auction www.firstarts.ca
an Ottawa private collection; Isaacs/Innuit Gallery, Toronto; Hudson's Bay Company Collection, Winnipeg
Notes:
This remarkably naturalistic carving shows us just how early the realistic aesthetic took hold in Puvirnituq. The main influencer in this style was the famous Charlie Sivuarapik (1911-1968) but it is clear from this work that Qissualu was also a major talent. The sculpture has a marvelous sense of action and drama as the seal, captured but not killed, struggles to escape its hunter. The work is noteworthy not only for the naturalism of the carving but also for its carefully incised details. It is interesting to note the identical patterning on the seal and the hunter's clothing, indicating that his outfit is made entirely of sealskin.
Published: George Swinton, Eskimo Sculpture/Sculpture Esquimaude (McClelland & Stewart, 1965), p. 69. Swinton's landmark scholarly book was the first major publication devoted to Canadian Inuit art (note: the artist was identified first as Simon POV). Also published in George Swinton's classic Sculpture of the Inuit (McClelland & Stewart, 1972/92), fig. 339.
First Arts: Inuit & First Nations Art Auction www.firstarts.ca
Most realised prices include the Buyer's Premium of 18-25%, but not the HST/GST Tax.
(*) Text and/or Image might be subject matter of Copyright. Check with Waddington's auction house for permission to use.
(*) Text and/or Image might be subject matter of Copyright. Check with Waddington's auction house for permission to use.