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Lot Essay
Ce masque bedu monumental et élégant se distingue des autres par sa composition géométrique particulièrement bien équilibrée, son harmonie des couleurs et ses motifs abstraits. Contrairement aux exemples connus, cette pièce présente une caractéristique singulière : alors que, généralement, les yeux et la bouche du masque sont simplement représentés par des trous percés dans un plan bidimensionnel, l’artiste a ici choisi de sculpter en relief le visage circulaire pour le mettre en valeur au centre de la planche triangulaire. Le résultat de cette subtile juxtaposition est une composition tridimensionnelle originale qui rompt avec le modèle bidimensionnel habituel de ces masques.
Cf. pour des exemples comparables, voir celui de la Menil Collection, aujourd'hui conservé au Museum of Fine Arts de Houston, inv. n° 62.2, et celui du Metropolitan Museum of Art, inv. n° 1979.206.237.
This monumental and elegant bedu mask stands out among others due to its particularly well-balanced geometrical composition, harmonious color scheme and abstract motifs. Unlike any other known example, the present lot illustrates a unique feature: while in general, eyes and mouth of the mask would simply be indicated by drilled holes within a bidimensional plane, here the artist has chosen to carve out in relief the circular face to highlight it at the center of the triangular plank. The result of this subtle juxtaposition is an original three-dimensional composition that defies the general two-dimensional pattern of these masks.
Cf. another comparable example formerly in the Menil collection, currently held by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, inv. no. 62.2, or another similar one in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, inv. 1979.206.237.
Cf. pour des exemples comparables, voir celui de la Menil Collection, aujourd'hui conservé au Museum of Fine Arts de Houston, inv. n° 62.2, et celui du Metropolitan Museum of Art, inv. n° 1979.206.237.
This monumental and elegant bedu mask stands out among others due to its particularly well-balanced geometrical composition, harmonious color scheme and abstract motifs. Unlike any other known example, the present lot illustrates a unique feature: while in general, eyes and mouth of the mask would simply be indicated by drilled holes within a bidimensional plane, here the artist has chosen to carve out in relief the circular face to highlight it at the center of the triangular plank. The result of this subtle juxtaposition is an original three-dimensional composition that defies the general two-dimensional pattern of these masks.
Cf. another comparable example formerly in the Menil collection, currently held by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, inv. no. 62.2, or another similar one in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, inv. 1979.206.237.