Striking signed figurative sculpture dated 1969, by an as-yet unidentified artist.
Hand-modelled in terracotta or earthenware, the work has a wonderfully strong, sculptural presence, combining an earthy material palette with bold, simplified forms. The crouching animal-like figure is treated in an expressive, almost abstract manner, with broad planes and deeply modelled contours giving the piece a distinctly modernist character.
The surface is particularly appealing, retaining a warm reddish-brown clay colour with irregular darkened areas and traces of aged surface coloration. Rather than feeling overly finished, the modelling and patina give the sculpture an almost primitive quality that works beautifully within a mid-century or contemporary interior.
The sculpture is signed/initialled
near the base. The signature appears to read something resembling “Tb…”, although we have not been able to confidently identify the artist and therefore offer the work as artist unknown.
A characterful and highly decorative piece of late-1960s studio sculpture, with considerable presence from every angle.
