Elisabeth Frink (1930-1993) Cormorant
Elisabeth Frink (1930-1993)
Cormorant
Watercolour and pencil on paper, 1971, signed and dated in pencil, sheet 430 x 570mm (17 x 22 1/2in) (framed)
British artist Elisabeth Frink was occupied by the themes and symbolism of birds in her work since she first exhibited publicly in 1951. For her, it was specifically that moment just before or during flight that was fascinating. This inspired her continuous return to the subject across her sculpture, painting and printing for the next two decades.
The present artwork exemplifies the power of such an image. Here a cormorant stands in a stormy landscape, looking wildly around at its surroundings while spreading its wings to launch into a foreboding sky. In the artist's opinion, it is in these moments that birds are their most expressionist in feeling because they are about to attempt to overcome the forces of nature and gravity that keep man firmly in his earthbound state. Such an idea is both beautiful and pertinent, as it provides the perfect metaphor for her viewer to explore one's struggle to surpass our own limitations - to soar to freedom, spiritual ascendancy and success - while also acknowledging the uncertainty that comes with doing so.
Provenance:
Private Collection, United Kingdom, 1995-Present.
Chiswick Auctions, London, 11th April 1995.
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Elisabeth Frink (1930-1993)
Cormorant
Watercolour and pencil on paper, 1971, signed and dated in pencil, sheet 430 x 570mm (17 x 22 1/2in) (framed)
British artist Elisabeth Frink was occupied by the themes and symbolism of birds in her work since she first exhibited publicly in 1951. For her, it was specifically that moment just before or during flight that was fascinating. This inspired her continuous return to the subject across her sculpture, painting and printing for the next two decades.
The present artwork exemplifies the power of such an image. Here a cormorant stands in a stormy landscape, looking wildly around at its surroundings while spreading its wings to launch into a foreboding sky. In the artist's opinion, it is in these moments that birds are their most expressionist in feeling because they are about to attempt to overcome the forces of nature and gravity that keep man firmly in his earthbound state. Such an idea is both beautiful and pertinent, as it provides the perfect metaphor for her viewer to explore one's struggle to surpass our own limitations - to soar to freedom, spiritual ascendancy and success - while also acknowledging the uncertainty that comes with doing so.
Provenance:
Private Collection, United Kingdom, 1995-Present.
Chiswick Auctions, London, 11th April 1995.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
