Irawo II
- Date
- 2023
- Material
- Oil on canvas
- (not assigned)
- North and Central America
- Classification
- Paintings
- Collection
- Modern and Contemporary Art
- Current Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 86 × 61 in. (218.4 × 154.9 cm)
- Credit Line
- Funds given by Northern Trust; and gift of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Aronson, Charles F. and Dorothy Quest in memory of Anna and Charles F. Quest Sr., and Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Shoenberg, all by exchange
- Rights
- © Estate of Charles F. Quest
- Object Number
- 45:2023
NOTES
Irawo II is a powerful image of Irawo, a Yoruba ruler from southwestern Nigeria. Details in this painting highlight connections between royalty, nature, and the divine world. Irawo wears a beaded crown featuring a group of birds on top. These birds, echoed by the bird-of-paradise flower, are symbolic as mediators between the earthly and divine realms in Yoruba belief. Chiefs such as Irawo are considered semi-divine. Currently based in North Carolina, Wole Lagunju produces portraits which are deeply informed by his Yoruba heritage.
We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.