The Art of Canada Auction (Inuit Art)

May 30, 2016

LOT 42

Lot 42

NIVIAXIE, CAPE DORSET/KINNGAIT

NIVIAXIE, CAPE DORSET/KINNGAIT
Lot 42 Details
NIVIAXIE, CAPE DORSET/KINNGAIT, E7-1077, Cape Dorset

TWO BEARS HUNTING

stonecut
1959, 43/50
unframed 16.5 ins x 20.75 ins; 41.9 cms x 52.7 cms

Estimate $6,000-$9,000

Realised: $9,600
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Literature:

“North Hunter v. Spirit”, Time Magazine February 8, 1960.

Note:

An uncatalogued Dorset Series print (prints in this category were only offered for sale in Cape Dorset). It was printed in both blue and black and green and black (see Waddington’s catalogue, November 2015, lot 151) and skillfully uses negative space to create the polar bears. Although not issued as part of the official 1959 Cape Dorset print collection, this print is as collectible as one of Niviaxie’s most prized images.

In 1960, Time Magazine reported on the artists’s death:
“Niviaksiak, of all the subjects he portrayed, the one that preyed most on his mind was bears. During the last months of his life, he pondered deeply on the soul of the great, inscrutable polar bear. Three months ago Niviaksiak and a young companion were tracking a bear. After several hours they finally caught sight of him. Niviaksiak moved in, raised his rifle to fire, then faltered and shrieked: ‘It’s dark. I’m falling!’ Without firing, he collapsed on the snow, died within minutes. The next day, when Niviaksiak’s companion returned to bury him, they found his body unmauled; the bear had not even come near him. Among Cape Dorset people there was only one explanation: Niviaksiak’s art had probed too near [and] had offended the spirit of the great polar bear.”

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 42
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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.