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LOT 047

RCA
1933 - 2014
Canadian

Nippy Bird
bronze sculpture, 1965 - 1967
signed and editioned 1/7
22 x 30 x 9 in, 55.9 x 76.2 x 22.9 cm

Estimate: $30,000 - $50,000 CAD

Sold for: $46,250

Preview at:

PROVENANCE
Benjamin Galleries, Chicago
Acquired from the above by a Private Collection, California, 1967
A gift from the above to the present Private Collection, California, 2019


Although he maintained a multi-faceted practice – producing paintings, drawings, prints, films and literary works – for many, Sorel Etrog’s name is synonymous with sculpture. Sometimes monumental in scale, Etrog’s sculptures adorn public spaces as far abroad as Seoul, South Korea, and they can be found across his adopted home of Toronto, including his towering Sun Life, 1984. This more intimately sized work employs the artist’s classic motifs of links and hinges, and does so in a strikingly dynamic way. Vigorously criss-crossing forms balance delicately on a pedestal, fully expressing the kinetic energy of the titular bird. Though thoroughly abstracted, the bird itself is still clearly legible, poised as though for flight. Although birds are a rare subject within Etrog’s work, another notable exploration of this theme is the comparably dated Sun Bird II, 1962 - 1964, in the permanent collection of the Art Gallery of Ontario since 1965. In 2013, nearly 50 years after acquiring that work, the AGO held a career-spanning Etrog retrospective, capping an illustrious career during which he received international recognition.


Estimate: $30,000 - $50,000 CAD

All prices are in Canadian Dollars


Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information posted, errors and omissions may occur. All bids are subject to our Terms and Conditions of Business. Bidders must ensure they have satisfied themselves with the condition of the Lot prior to bidding. Condition reports are available upon request.