First Arts: Inuit & First Nations Art

May 28, 2019

LOT 9

Lot 9

SIMON QISSUALU ALIQU (1926-)

SIMON QISSUALU ALIQU (1926-)
Lot 9 Details
SIMON QISSUALU ALIQU (1926-), E9-1366, Akulivik

CAPTURED SEAL TRYING TO ESCAPE

stone, wood, sinew
1957
5.5 x 12 x 5.5 in — 14 x 30.5 x 14 cm

Estimate $1,500-$2,500

Realised: $1,200
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
SIMON QISSUALU ALIQU (1926-)
  • SIMON QISSUALU ALIQU (1926-)
Provenance:

an Ottawa private collection; Isaacs/Innuit Gallery, Toronto; Hudson’s Bay Company Collection, Winnipeg

Note:

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.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 9
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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.