Lot 156
Norval Morrisseau, CM, RCA (1932-2007), Anishinaabe (Ojibwe)
Lot 156 Details
Norval Morrisseau, CM, RCA (1932-2007), Anishinaabe (Ojibwe)
MERMAN IS THE LORD AND RULER OF THE WATER, 1992
acrylic on canvas
signed in syllabics lower right; titled and dated to gallery label verso
90 x 48 in — 228.6 x 121.9 cm
Estimate $25,000-$35,000
Additional Images
Provenance:
Kinsman Robinson Galleries, Toronto, ON
S.P. Family Collection, Toronto, ON
Note:
Merman is Lord and Ruler of the Water appears to depict the Anishinaabe water being called Nibiinaabeg or Nepii-Naba in a state of spiritual commune. Often portrayed as a teacher and helper in Anishinaabe stories, here Nibiinaabeg is painted in close proximity with a fish, both creatures' mouths are open, and Nibiinaabeg is wearing a medicine pouch around his neck, a tool required for spiritual intervention. The beings are surrounded by the ancient Great Lakes iconographic device, the “power line” which is strongly associated with the Woodland’s style. A wiry irregular line, often depicting connecting beings, power lines are a tangible depiction of the immaterial power that flows between beings.