Description:

Manuel Neri (American/California, b. 1930), "Passage, Maquette II", 1996, bronze with patina, signed, dated and numbered "1/4" on self-base, "Galerie Simonne Stern, New Orleans" label with artist and title under base, h. 24 in., w. 6 in., d. 8 in. Provenance: Galerie Simonne Stern, New Orleans, 1998; Koch Collection, Metairie, LA. Note: While the human form is one that has been studied and executed by artists since the genesis of Western art, Manuel Neri’s take on figurative sculpture is intensely poignant. With a painter’s eye and aesthetic, he is able to incorporate those related characteristics into his three-dimensional works. As Hilton Kramer points out in his 1981 New York Times review of Neri’s solo show at the Cowles Gallery, “[w]hat distinguishes Mr. Neri's art is the way he has combined the traditional nude figure with the interests of painting. While his conception of the figure tends to be classical, his painterly sensibility is decidedly Expressionist. There is thus an extraordinary tension - or, if you will, a dialectic - built into the very crux of his style. This gives the work a very individual dynamism, even if at times it also leaves us with the impression of something teetering on the brink of dissolution.” In the lot offered here, the sense of impending dissolution is nearly palpable. The fragile humanoid figure appears to be emerging from its surroundings, and Neri highlights the tension between animation and stagnation. The sculpture’s coarse surface and incomplete form is reminiscent of the rough brushstrokes of a quick painting sketch, while as a whole remaining remarkably complete and well balanced. Ref.: Kramer, Hilton. “Art: First Solo Show for Manuel Neri”. The New York Times. Feb. 27, 1981. www.nytimes.com. Accessed July 26, 2017.

  • Condition: All lots are sold “As is” and “Where is”. Neal Auction provides condition reports on items with a low estimate over $500 as a courtesy to aid in your bidding decision. No statement regarding age, condition, kind, value, or quality of a lot, whether made orally at the auction or at any other time, or in writing in this catalogue or elsewhere, shall be construed to be an express or implied warranty, representation, or assumption of liability. Completed condition reports are posted as an additional image with the lot. Neal Auction does not give refunds.

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May 19, 2018 10:00 AM CDT
New Orleans, LA, US

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$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $9,999 $250
$10,000 $49,999 $500
$50,000 $999,999 $5,000
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$2,000,000 $2,999,999 $15,000
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