OSUITOK IPEELEE, INUIT, Muskox, c. mid 1970s
Similar Sale History
View More Items in Sculptures & CarvingsRelated Sculptures & Carvings
More Items in Inuit Sculptures & Carvings
View MoreRecommended Art
View MoreItem Details
Description
br>Lot 63
OSUITOK IPEELEE, R.C.A. (1923-2005) KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
Muskox, c. mid 1970s
stone, 12.25 x 14 x 7.5 in (31.1 x 35.6 x 19.1 cm)
signed, "ᐅᓱᐃᑐ / ᐄᐱᓕ".
Provenance
An Ottawa Collection.
Perhaps the earliest documented portrayal of a muskox by Osuitok is a carved head from 1955 in the Guild collection in Montreal. Interestingly, two of the only six prints authored by Osuitok (in the late 1950s) depicted muskoxen. Since that time the animal has been only an occasional one for the artist. Conceptually, thematically, and stylistically, the closest published work we have seen in Osuitok’s oeuvre to ours is a contemporaneous Swimming Musk Ox with Young in the Marion Scott Gallery Inspiration catalogue of 1996 (see references).
If Osuitok’s magnificent Walking Caribou (Lot 27) can be considered an idealized, stylized depiction rather than a naturalistic one, then his Muskox is an even more radical departure from verisimilitude. In terms of its degree of abstraction it compares with the artist’s Female Owl Spirit from 1982 (First Arts, Dec. 2020, Lot 81) or any number of other bird or bird spirit portrayals by Osuitok. Perhaps Muskoxness might be a more apt title, since the sculpture strives to capture the essence of the animal rather than a likeness of it. But Osuitok has taken enormous liberties: the animal’s massive body has been truncated to almost bust-size proportions when viewed in profile; the horns hug the face rather than jutting outwards; the face and ears look almost hare-like; the hair appears almost leonine. Yet it works beautifully, powerfully as a sculpture. It’s bold and brilliant.
References
Perhaps the earliest documented portrayal of a muskox by Osuitok is a carved head of the animal from 1955 in the Guild collection in Montreal; see Canadian Guild of Crafts Quebec, The Permanent Collection (Montreal: CGCQ, 1980), fig. 114. Conceptually, thematically and stylistically, the closest work we have seen in Osuitok’s oeuvre is the contemporaneous Swimming Musk Ox with Young (from c. 1975); see Marion Scott Gallery, Inspiration: Four Decades of Sculpture by Canadian Inuit (Vancouver: Marion Scott Gallery, 1996) cat. 24.
OSUITOK IPEELEE, R.C.A. (1923-2005) KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
Muskox, c. mid 1970s
stone, 12.25 x 14 x 7.5 in (31.1 x 35.6 x 19.1 cm)
signed, "ᐅᓱᐃᑐ / ᐄᐱᓕ".
Provenance
An Ottawa Collection.
Perhaps the earliest documented portrayal of a muskox by Osuitok is a carved head from 1955 in the Guild collection in Montreal. Interestingly, two of the only six prints authored by Osuitok (in the late 1950s) depicted muskoxen. Since that time the animal has been only an occasional one for the artist. Conceptually, thematically, and stylistically, the closest published work we have seen in Osuitok’s oeuvre to ours is a contemporaneous Swimming Musk Ox with Young in the Marion Scott Gallery Inspiration catalogue of 1996 (see references).
If Osuitok’s magnificent Walking Caribou (Lot 27) can be considered an idealized, stylized depiction rather than a naturalistic one, then his Muskox is an even more radical departure from verisimilitude. In terms of its degree of abstraction it compares with the artist’s Female Owl Spirit from 1982 (First Arts, Dec. 2020, Lot 81) or any number of other bird or bird spirit portrayals by Osuitok. Perhaps Muskoxness might be a more apt title, since the sculpture strives to capture the essence of the animal rather than a likeness of it. But Osuitok has taken enormous liberties: the animal’s massive body has been truncated to almost bust-size proportions when viewed in profile; the horns hug the face rather than jutting outwards; the face and ears look almost hare-like; the hair appears almost leonine. Yet it works beautifully, powerfully as a sculpture. It’s bold and brilliant.
References
Perhaps the earliest documented portrayal of a muskox by Osuitok is a carved head of the animal from 1955 in the Guild collection in Montreal; see Canadian Guild of Crafts Quebec, The Permanent Collection (Montreal: CGCQ, 1980), fig. 114. Conceptually, thematically and stylistically, the closest work we have seen in Osuitok’s oeuvre is the contemporaneous Swimming Musk Ox with Young (from c. 1975); see Marion Scott Gallery, Inspiration: Four Decades of Sculpture by Canadian Inuit (Vancouver: Marion Scott Gallery, 1996) cat. 24.
Condition
The absence of condition does not imply that an item is free from defects, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. Our team can provide thorough and comprehensive condition reports and additional images. We welcome your enquiries at info@firstarts.ca or 647-286-5012.
Many countries prohibit or restrict importation or exportation of property containing ivory, whale bone, sealskin, and/or products derived from other endangered or protected species, and require special licenses or permits in order to import or export such property. It is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure that the item is properly and lawfully exported / imported.
Buyer's Premium
- 23%
OSUITOK IPEELEE, INUIT, Muskox, c. mid 1970s
Estimate CA$12,000 - CA$18,000
5 bidders are watching this item.
Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Toronto, Ontario, caSee Policy for Shipping
Local Pickup Available
Payment
TOP