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AUGUSTA CHRISTINE FELLS SAVAGE (American 1892-1962) "Gamin"- probably after
1940. Polychromed cast plaster. Impressed molded vertical signature on verso
"SAVAGE" - underside of base inscribed "Bought in Harlem from Negro artist".
Height 9". Estimate $2,000-$3,000 Savage is perhaps one of the most
influential artists and teachers of the Harlem Renaissance. Her journey,
like so many African American artists was fraught with hardship and
rejection. Her artistic skill combined with her iron will enabled her to
eventually study in Paris. Upon her return she opened a studio and later
became the first director of WPA-funded Harlem Community Art Center, which
played a critical role in developing many young black artists such as
William Artis, Jacob Lawrence and Norman Lewis. No one is quite sure just
how much of Savages work has survived. For economic reasons most of her work
was cast in plaster, which does not always endure the rigors of time, as do
more traditional materials such as bronze. Some have been speculated that
towards the end of her life she herself destroyed many reaming examples of
her works. Furthermore, there is at present scant information regarding her
exact production methods or quantities. Additionally, it is known that at
various times during (and most likely soon after) her life additional casts
of certain subject were produced therefore making it more difficult to
accurately ascribe dates to surviving examples of her work. |
