Additional Images

Provenance:

S. Family Collection, Toronto, ON

Note:

An exceptional detailed work of figuration by an unidentified Puvirnituq master, Hunter Tracking In The Snow bristles with the distinctive characteristics associated with Puvirnituq’s realist style, notably the meticulously textured surface finishes, close attention to the representation of the subject’s garments and coiffure, and the use of ivory in the representation of implements. The incorporation of ivory elements into sculpture at Puvirnituq was a necessity for artists who wished to include fine detail in otherwise unforgiving local stone. The visual result of the contrast in material is to draw the eye to the implements. The effect is notable in the present work, where the hunter’s grip on his bow and the positioning of his arrow, grasped at the small of the back, emphasize the pensive posture of the figure, who is attempting to locate the tracks of his prey.

Hunter Tracking in the Snow is one of forty-five works in the present auction from a pioneering and important Toronto collection of Inuit art, the S. Family Collection.

Distinguished by its remarkable diversity, and uniformly high quality, the collection was built on over fifty years of dedication. Acquisitions were made both from the leading dealers and private collectors of the period, as well as directly from artists during several excursions to the north, including to Qamani'tuaq (Baker Lake), and Arviat.

Although the S. Family organized a handful of exhibitions specializing in sculpture, many artworks from their personal collection have remained largely unknown to the collector community. Significant sculptures and graphics come from artists including Davie Atchealak, Ooviloo Tunillie, Parr, John Tiktak, Joe Talirunili, Kiugak Ashoona, Nuna Parr, Aqjangajuk Shaa, and Mathew Aqigaaq.