December 5 & 6, 2018 Fine and Decorative Arts
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/6/2018
Mid 19th century, probably New Orleans. , carved with initials "DB II", additionally carved at rear of underside with initials "S Y" or "L S" depending on orientation. Possibly carved by "Dutreuil Barjon, Jr." New Orleans, 1823-1870. A Los Angles Times Article, January 1999 titled "Four Black Artisans from a Golden Era" by Lynell George states "Pierre Charles Dutreuil Barjon was born in Santo Domingo (now Haiti), in 1799, to a freewoman of color and a father of unknown identity. In 1813, Barjon began apprenticing in New Orleans as a cabinetmaker, working for Jean Rousseau, another freeman of color. He established his own business in 1821 in the city's French Quarter that was later taken over by his son Dutreuil Jr. in 1854. Dutreuil Jr. operated the shop until 1856". This nice whimsical sculpture depicts a seated boy with his legs crossed, hands on his lap, wearing a red jacket over a white shirt, dressed in blue trousers with a hole at the knee, and with frayed hem of pants, dressed with laced shoes. Statue appears to retain original paint with area's of wear, there is some over-painting around collar of jacket, and some area's of restoration to shoes where there is also evidence of insect damage, now inactive. The boy is posed seated on a hickory stool, likely of later vintage. Condition is very good overall, noting previous restorations stated, old vertical shrinkage cracks in thighs, lower sleeves of jacket, possibly attributed to later shrinkage of two wood segments prior to carving. We believe that the sculpture may have been carved from Cypress, but have not had opportunity to test fragment which would reinforce the belief that this was carved in or around New Orleans. Seated boy measures 38" H x 16" D x 12 1/2" W.
This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made.
Item Dimensions: 49" x 21" x 17" .