The Art of Canada Auction (Inuit Art)

May 30, 2016

LOT 38

Lot 38

OSUITOK IPEELEE, R.C.A., CAPE DORSET/KINNGAIT

OSUITOK IPEELEE, R.C.A., CAPE DORSET/KINNGAIT
Lot 38 Details
OSUITOK IPEELEE, R.C.A., CAPE DORSET/KINNGAIT, E4-257, Cape Dorset

MUSK OX

stone, bone
signed in syllabics, c. 1975
11 ins x 14.75 ins x 6.75 ins; 27.9 cms x 37.5 cms x 17.1 cms

Estimate $5,000-$7,000

Realised: $4,800
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
OSUITOK IPEELEE, R.C.A., CAPE DORSET/KINNGAIT
  • OSUITOK IPEELEE, R.C.A., CAPE DORSET/KINNGAIT
  • OSUITOK IPEELEE, R.C.A., CAPE DORSET/KINNGAIT
  • OSUITOK IPEELEE, R.C.A., CAPE DORSET/KINNGAIT
  • OSUITOK IPEELEE, R.C.A., CAPE DORSET/KINNGAIT
Provenance:

Theo Waddington Galleries, Toronto, 1980,
Private Collection, Hamilton

Literature:

For a similar work see lot 105a, Waddington’s Inuit Art Auction, Monday 23 April 2007.

Note:

Musk oxen are not native to Baffin Island, however artists from Cape Dorset frequently depict them in their artwork. One of the characteristics that Osuitok has chosen to emphasize in this example is the creature’s mass, the other is a long tail, much longer than is typical of an actual musk ox. Osuitok is perhaps most celebrated for his depiction of wildlife taking liberty with his subjects, combining animal and human forms and experimenting with these combinations. Another noticeable aspect of this work is the lolling tongue of the musk ox. This is likely an added element of humour, however one could imagine this burly musk ox has outrun a determined predator and is now panting with its tongue out. Or perhaps the animal, which is the largest grazing mammal of the Arctic, is simply foraging for food.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 38
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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.