First Arts: Inuit & First Nations Art

May 28, 2019

LOT 58

Lot 58

PITSEOLAK NIVIAQSI R.C.A. (1947-2015)

PITSEOLAK NIVIAQSI R.C.A. (1947-2015)
Lot 58 Details
PITSEOLAK NIVIAQSI R.C.A. (1947-2015), E7-1081, Cape Dorset / Kinngait

WOMAN HOLDING HER BRAID

stone
signed in syllabics, c. 1998-99
12 x 7 x 9 in — 30.5 x 17.8 x 22.9 cm

Estimate $4,000-$6,000

Realised: $3,600
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
PITSEOLAK NIVIAQSI R.C.A. (1947-2015)
  • PITSEOLAK NIVIAQSI R.C.A. (1947-2015)
  • PITSEOLAK NIVIAQSI R.C.A. (1947-2015)
  • PITSEOLAK NIVIAQSI R.C.A. (1947-2015)
  • PITSEOLAK NIVIAQSI R.C.A. (1947-2015)
Provenance:

a Toronto collection

Note:

Pitseolak Niviaqsi was the son of the renowned sculptor and graphic artist Niviaqsi (1908-1959) and the graphic artist Kunu (1923-1966). Trained as a lithographer in the early 1970s, Pitseolak became one of the Kinngait Studio’s master printmakers, working on hundreds of Cape Dorset prints between 1975 and 2011. He is equally famous for his sculptures, many of which depict female subjects including young women, mothers and children, and the sea goddess. In the catalogue referenced below Nigel Reading wrote: “The art of Pitseolak exudes an elegance and refinement now rare in Inuit sculpture.” Woman Holding her Braid is a beautiful example of his work. It is masterfully carved but not showy or flashy; while fairly large it has the sensibility of a smaller, more intimate work.

References: the best introduction to this artist’s sculpture is Spirit Wrestler Gallery, The Lyrical World of Pitseolak Niviaqsi (Vancouver, 2001). For similarly themed works by the artist see Derek Norton and Nigel Reading, Cape Dorset Sculpture (Douglas & McIntyre, 2007) p. 38; Marion Scott Gallery, Inspiration (1995) cat. 17.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 58
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.