Manuel Neri (1930-2021). Ostrakon Marble Maquette IX, 1999. Marble. 22-1/2 x 8-1/2 x 8 inches (57.2 x 21.6 x 20.3 cm). ...

Description

Manuel Neri (1930-2021)
Ostrakon Marble Maquette IX, 1999
Marble
22-1/2 x 8-1/2 x 8 inches (57.2 x 21.6 x 20.3 cm)

Property from the Estate of Dr. Malcolm McHenry, Sacramento, California
Proceeds to Benefit the Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California

EXHIBITED:
Campbell-Thiebaud Gallery, San Francisco, California, "Manuel Neri," February 15-March 20, 2000.

Inspired by "Ostraka," small pieces of broken pottery used as writing surfaces by the ancient Greeks, Manuel Neri's "Ostrakon" marble series presents graceful fragments, whispers of figures just beginning to emerge from the stone.

In his upcoming publication, Manuel Neri: The Tenants of Time, scholar Bruce Nixon addresses the series, stating, "The marble Ostrakons are two or three feet in height, a scale that allows Neri to articulate his underlying formal ideas in an usually exact, controlled manner: in Ostrakon Marble XI (1999), the standing figure is placed against and integrated into a flat wall behind it, giving delicate felicity to the motif of his great Arcos de Geso relief series in plaster created during the prior decade."

Born in Manuel Neri's studio in Carrara, Italy in the summer of 1999, the series totaled eighteen works, each titled Ostrakon Marble Maquette, and numbered in Roman numerals. Only four of the maquettes are related thematically to Neri's relief sculptures with the figure emerging from a rectangular background: Ostrakon Marble Maquette III, Ostrakon Marble Maquette V, Ostrakon Marble Maquette VIII, and the present work, Ostrakon Marble Maquette IX.


More information about Manuel Neri. See also: Neri, Manuel, John Manuel Neri Artist.

*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.

View all of [Property from the Estate of Dr. Malcolm McHenry, Sacramento, California ]