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Important Belgian Art Deco Bust of a Mangbetu Woman by François-Xavier Goddard

Name: Important Belgian Art Deco Bust of a Mangbetu Woman by François-Xavier Goddard
Brand: F.X. Goddard
Rating: 4.9 (79 reviews)

$7,787.74

£5,790.87

€8,228VAT Included

CA$10,993.68

A$11,248.11

CHF 6,380.28

MX$144,177.17

NOK 73,168.78

SEK 76,265.42

DKK 51,847.18

About the Item

An exceptional and historically significant portrait bust of a Congolese Mangbetu woman, created by the renowned Afro-Belgian sculptor, essayist, and modernist thinker François-Xavier (F.X.) Goddard (1912–2006). Dating from Goddard’s celebrated early "Africanist" period, this sculpture captures a young Mangbetu woman adorned with the iconic elongated cranium and sweeping, fan-shaped braided coiffure (edamburu). Executed with expressive modernist restraint and Art Deco sensitivity, the bust features deeply contoured facial lines, intricate hair texturing, and a sculpted neck ornament. Cast in fine plaster with a rich, multi-toned bronze patina, the piece is mounted on an integral solid wood base. It bears the incised artist signature and dedication on the shoulder: "F.X. GODDARD À NAUWELAER" (a documented personal dedication to the Nauwelaer collection/patron). About the Artist & Historical Importance Born in Brussels to a Senegalese father and a Belgian mother, François-Xavier Goddard occupied a singular position in 20th-century Belgian art. His early figurative Africanist sculptures served as the formal foundation for his later transition into acclaimed organic abstract wood sculpture. Beyond his sculpture, Goddard was a key intellectual voice in post-colonial art criticism. He authored seminal analytical texts, including "L'évolution de la statuaire au Congo" (1958) and critical essays on racial equality in the Belgian Congo (1952). His contribution to Belgian and Central African art history was recognized with a solo exhibition at the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Tervuren in 1957. Early figurative works of this scale and provenance are virtually unrecorded on the private market. Specifications & Condition Artist: François-Xavier (F.X.) Goddard (1912–2006) Period: Circa 1935–1945 (Art Deco / Africanist Modernism) Origin: Belgium Medium: Patinated plaster on solid wooden base Dimensions: Height: 53 cm (20.87 in) Width: 29 cm (11.42 in) Depth: 28 cm (11.02 in) Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Beautifully preserved original patina with light, authentic age-appropriate surface wear consistent with historical display. No breaks, restorations, or modern interventions. An authentic museum-grade sculptural centerpiece, ideal for prominent collections of African modernism, Art Deco sculpture, or curated architectural interiors.

Creator:
F.X. Goddard (Artist)
Dimensions:
Height: 20.87 in (53 cm)Width: 11.42 in (29 cm)Depth: 11.03 in (28 cm)
Style:
Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Plaster,Wood,Cast,Hand-Crafted,Patinated
Place of Origin:
Belgium
Period:
Mid-20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1935-1955
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Excellent vintage condition with an authentic, age-appropriate aged patina and minimal traces of wear consistent with age and display. No structural damage or modern restoration.
Seller Location:
Antwerp, BE
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU95041307428

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