Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu M.B.E (Nigerian, 1917-1994) A study for the sculpture 'Risen Christ'
Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu M.B.E (Nigerian, 1917-1994)
A study for the sculpture 'Risen Christ'
signed with initials 'BE' (lower right), inscribed and dated 'The Risen Christ Idea For Sculpture 1954' (lower centre)
gouache on paper
35 x 31cm (13 3/4 x 12 3/16in).
Footnotes:
Provenance
A private collection.
This preparatory drawing relates to Ben Enwonwu's commission for the sculpture of Christ for the Chapel of the Resurrection at University College, Ibadan, executed six years before Nigerian Independence. The resulting figure was carved from a single four-ton block of iroko and is widely regarded as among his finest works in wood. Inscribed by Enwonwu himself 'Risen Christ original idea,' the present drawing provides an important record of the conception underlying the monument. Dated 1954, it belongs to a significant moment in the artist's career, the year in which he was appointed an MBE. Preparatory drawings for Enwonwu's major public commissions of this period are rare, making the present work an important document of his sculptural practice.
For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu M.B.E (Nigerian, 1917-1994)
A study for the sculpture 'Risen Christ'
signed with initials 'BE' (lower right), inscribed and dated 'The Risen Christ Idea For Sculpture 1954' (lower centre)
gouache on paper
35 x 31cm (13 3/4 x 12 3/16in).
Footnotes:
Provenance
A private collection.
This preparatory drawing relates to Ben Enwonwu's commission for the sculpture of Christ for the Chapel of the Resurrection at University College, Ibadan, executed six years before Nigerian Independence. The resulting figure was carved from a single four-ton block of iroko and is widely regarded as among his finest works in wood. Inscribed by Enwonwu himself 'Risen Christ original idea,' the present drawing provides an important record of the conception underlying the monument. Dated 1954, it belongs to a significant moment in the artist's career, the year in which he was appointed an MBE. Preparatory drawings for Enwonwu's major public commissions of this period are rare, making the present work an important document of his sculptural practice.
For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
