Figure Group Portraying Lion and Birds
- Culture
- Fon artist
- Date
- late 19th–early 20th century
- Material
- Iron, copper, wood
- Classification
- Metalwork, sculpture
- Collection
- Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
- Current Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 9 1/2 x 12 1/2 x 6 1/2 in. (24.2 x 31.8 x 16.5 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Morton D. May
- Rights
- Public Domain
- Object Number
- 404:1955
NOTES
The burden of life is not carried by just anyone; it is to you [Glèlè] that fate has attributed it. —Excerpt from a Fon poem
Two birds flank a central lion, the large cat linking this scene to King Glèlè (reigned 1858–1889). One bird bears an elongated neck and wings. The other appears to lack wings and its head is pierced with an upholstery nail.
This vignette refers to a song and allegory dedicated to Glèlè. The nail head represents a burden, and the wingless bird alludes to the verse above, translated from the Fongbe language.
The taller bird evokes the Fon allegory: “The bird of prey that catches other birds and carries them off into the air just like the king of Dahomey catches enemies and carries them off into the air.” Together, the visual and verbal resonances suggest the formidable power and responsibility assumed as the duty of any Dahomey king.
Two birds flank a central lion, the large cat linking this scene to King Glèlè (reigned 1858–1889). One bird bears an elongated neck and wings. The other appears to lack wings and its head is pierced with an upholstery nail.
This vignette refers to a song and allegory dedicated to Glèlè. The nail head represents a burden, and the wingless bird alludes to the verse above, translated from the Fongbe language.
The taller bird evokes the Fon allegory: “The bird of prey that catches other birds and carries them off into the air just like the king of Dahomey catches enemies and carries them off into the air.” Together, the visual and verbal resonances suggest the formidable power and responsibility assumed as the duty of any Dahomey king.
Provenance
- 1952
Dr. George Rony, Los Angeles, CA, USA [1]
Frank Perls Gallery, Los Angeles, CA [2]
- 1955
Morton D. May (1914-1983), purchased from the Perls Gallery, Los Angeles, CA [3]
1955 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, given by Morton D. May [4]
Notes:
[1] The main source for this provenance is the auction catalogue from the Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc. New York, titled "African Primitive Sculptures and Oceanic and American Indian Artifacts from the Collection of Dr. George Rony" (Auction dates: March 26 and March 27, 1952). 404:1955 was listed as Number 13.
[2] A letter signed by Morton D. May on December 19, 1955 explains that he acquired the object from the Frank Perls Gallery in Los Angeles [Archives, Saint Louis Art Museum].
[3] See Note 2.
[4] A letter dated January 30, 1956 from Charles Nagel, director of the City Art Museum, to May acknowledges the gift of this object as part of a larger donation [Director's Office, Donor Correspondence, Archives, Saint Louis Art Museum]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, December 8, 1955.
Dr. George Rony, Los Angeles, CA, USA [1]
Frank Perls Gallery, Los Angeles, CA [2]
- 1955
Morton D. May (1914-1983), purchased from the Perls Gallery, Los Angeles, CA [3]
1955 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, given by Morton D. May [4]
Notes:
[1] The main source for this provenance is the auction catalogue from the Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc. New York, titled "African Primitive Sculptures and Oceanic and American Indian Artifacts from the Collection of Dr. George Rony" (Auction dates: March 26 and March 27, 1952). 404:1955 was listed as Number 13.
[2] A letter signed by Morton D. May on December 19, 1955 explains that he acquired the object from the Frank Perls Gallery in Los Angeles [Archives, Saint Louis Art Museum].
[3] See Note 2.
[4] A letter dated January 30, 1956 from Charles Nagel, director of the City Art Museum, to May acknowledges the gift of this object as part of a larger donation [Director's Office, Donor Correspondence, Archives, Saint Louis Art Museum]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, December 8, 1955.
We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.