The Canada Auction Series: Inuit Art

Auction begins to close:
December 02, 2022 at 6:00 pm ET

Online Auction
LOT 330

Lot 330

Niviaxie ᓂᕕᐊᓯ (1909-1959)

Niviaxie ᓂᕕᐊᓯ (1909-1959)
Lot 330 Details
Niviaxie ᓂᕕᐊᓯ (1909-1959), Kinngait (Cape Dorset)

MAN HUNTING AT SEAL HOLE IN THE ICE, 1959

sealskin stencil
signed, titled, dated and numbered 19/30; unframed
19 x 12 in — 48.3 x 30.5 cm

Estimate $30,000-$40,000

Realised: $78,000
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Provenance:

Private Collection, Washington

Note:

One of two rare prints that we are pleased to include by the artist in the present auction, Man Hunting at Seal Hole in The Ice is defined in sinuous crisp line and beautifully modelled vibrant icy blue and green tones. This iconic contribution by Niviaxie to the inaugural 1959 Kinngait (Cape Dorset) print collection is a masterwork of simplicity in form and restraint in composition that would be a point of reference for many to aspire to.

The present example is one of the first nine prints in the edition, printed in May 1959, it is distinguished from later examples by the inclusion of a month inscribed on the print, a detail excluded following June of 1959. [1]

(1) Norman Vorano et al., Inuit Prints: Japanese Inspiration: Early Printmaking in the Canadian Arctic (Gatineau, Québec: Canadian Museum of Civilization, 2011), 79. pl. 21.

CONDITION DETAILS

Faint water-induced imperfection, possibly inherent to printmaking process, visible along back edge of figure's hood. Puckering throughout the paper, faint mat burn in immediate proximity to edge of paper, remnant of hinges verso. Minute imperfections, overall very good condition.

Please contact the specialist for further condition information.

LOT 330
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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.