05-29-201505-30-2015
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsBoston MA
2817BBoston
May 29, 2015 04:00 PMCalender
337

Malvina Hoffman (American, 1887-1966) The Mongolian Dancer

Sell one like this
$7,380$6,000
Auction: American & European Works of Art - 2817BLocation: BostonDate / Time: May 29, 2015 4:00PM

Description:

Malvina Hoffman (American, 1887-1966)

The Mongolian Dancer
Signed "© Malvina Hoffman" and with foundry mark "Cellini Bronze Works N.Y." in the
bronze at the back and side of the base, respectively.
Bronze with green patina, 20 x 15 x 6 1/2 in. (50.8 x 38.1 x 16.5 cm),on a painted wood base.
Condition: Minor surface grime.

Literature: Henry Field, The Races of Mankind, Sculptures by Malvina Hoffman, Anthropology Leaflet 30, (Chicago: Field Museum of Natural History, 1937),Malvina Hoffman, Heads and Tales, (New York, 1943),p. 225.

N.B. Malvina Hoffman conceived The Mongolian Dancer in 1932, as part of her Races of Mankind series commissioned by Stuart Field of the Chicago Field Museum of Natural History. The collection, housed in the Museum's "Hall of Man," comprised 105 sculptures and was exhibited at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair and the 1938 New York World's Fair. Two foundries are known to have cast smaller editions of the Mongolian Dancer: Roman Bronze Works in an edition of 18 and Cellini Bronze Works, quantity of edition unknown. After 30 years on display, the Hall of Man was dismantled and the sculptures dispersed around the museum or relegated to storage.
Estimate $8,000-12,000

Top of bow is bent, with crack just above grip.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords

Malvina Hoffman, Natural History, Henry Field, Chicago, Field Museum of Natural History, B. Malvina Hoffman, Chicago Field Museum of Natural History, Stuart Field, New York World, Hall of Man