Figurative Sculpture of Woman with Niqab in Wood, 1960s

Details

Description

Islamic art sculpture made of Thuja root, measuring 47 cm high x 25 cm wide x 19 cm deep (mid-20th … Read more Islamic art sculpture made of Thuja root, measuring 47 cm high x 25 cm wide x 19 cm deep (mid-20th century). It presents a stylized, compact, and upright female figure, characterized by a strong sense of contemplation and introspection.
The overall shape features soft, continuous volumes. The arms are gathered across the chest, barely hinted at through slight variations in relief, a gesture that suggests protection, modesty, or inner meditation.
The face covered by the niqab is depicted with a dark vertical cut, introducing a strong color contrast.
The niqab is rendered as a fluid continuity of the wooden material that envelops the head and falls over the body. The surfaces are smooth, with soft incisions and oblique lines that suggest the folds of the fabric without describing them in a naturalistic way.
The base opens into a sort of wavy hem, with vertical undulations that recall a long dress and give momentum to the figure.
from a material perspective, Thuja burl is the undisputed protagonist: the sculpture fully showcases its irregular, marbled, and deep grain, with hues ranging from warm brown to intense reddish. The glossy finish highlights the complexity of the wood's natural design, making each surface alive and dynamic.
Overall, the work combines formal simplicity and strong symbolic charge, offering a non-narrative yet evocative representation of the veiled female figure, in which matter, gesture, and silence become central elements of artistic expression.
Probably crafted by a French artist. In excellent condition, with only a single crack visible in the last photos. See less