Africa

A mask that changed the art world

Here is a wonderful Fang Ngil mask from North Gabon that is just like the one Picasso collected in the late 19th century. The scan is high-res, so make it as big as you want. This is the piece of African sculpture that began the great change in Western modern art. I couldn’t find a side view which would show the long, concave curve of the nose. What a shock this piece of abstract sculpture was to European painters!

People who are attracted to mask collecting usually have a strong interest in either art or anthropology. Of course, I fall into the former category. Which way are you?  The Mask Man, 1393

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

I accept the Privacy Policy