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Artworks
ENNUTSIAK (1893-1967) IQALUIT (FROBISHER BAY)
Kakivak Fisherman with Catch,, early 1960sstone and antler, 5 x 2.5 x 4 in (12.7 x 6.3 x 10.2 cm), measurements reflect dimensions with inset implement
signed and inscribed with disc number, "ᐃᓄᓯᐊ / E7 603".
LOT 44
ESTIMATE: $3,000 — $5,000
PRICE REALIZED: $3,120.00Further images
Most famous for his little “tableaux” featuring traditional daily life (see Lot 8 for a superb example), Ennutsiak occasionally carved single human figures and even the odd animal. The First...Most famous for his little “tableaux” featuring traditional daily life (see Lot 8 for a superb example), Ennutsiak occasionally carved single human figures and even the odd animal. The First Arts November 2021 live auction catalogue features the captivating Grandmother with Child (Lot 22), which bridges these two thematic choices. Ennutsiak always devoted careful attention to his small figures, carving as much detail as he could muster with his simple tools. This tired Fisherman, shown returning home from his time fishing at a weir, is carved with Ennutsiak’s trademark rustic finesse. We can’t help wondering whether this sensitive and poignant work is a self-portrait of the elderly artist.
References: For another beautifully carved figure of a solitary hunter by the artist see Winnipeg Art Gallery, The Mulders’ Collection, (Winnipeg: Winnipeg Art Gallery, 1976), cat. 86. For other fine works by Ennutsiak see First Arts, Nov. 2021, Lot 22; July 2021, Lot 25; Dec. 2020, Lot 15; May 2019, Lot 40. See also Maria von Finckenstein ed., Celebrating Inuit Art 1948-1970, (Hull, QC: Canadian Museum of Civilization, 1999), p. 131-133; Ingo Hessel, Arctic Spirit: Inuit Art from the Albrecht Collection at the Heard Museum, (Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre / Phoenix: Heard Museum, 2006), cat. 146, pp. 172-173.
Provenance
An Ottawa Collection.
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