New Book: Beauty Unusual

Masterworks from the Ceil Pulitzer Collection of African Art

Dan Maskette, Liberia/Ivory Coast. Unknown Artist. Height: 13.7 cm December 06, 2020 By: Susan Kloman

Middle Niger Delta Civilization Pendant in Copper Alloy, Mali. 9th–14th Century. Height: 6.5 cm

Ceil Pulitzer started her journey as a collector of African art more than 40 years ago. Her artistic spirit has drawn her to all forms of culture and human expression. As a dedicated painter, she has relentlessly exercised her eye in the study of art and art history.

Ose Sango Staff, Egbado Region, Possibly Ilaro Village, Nigeria. Yoruba Artist. Height: 43 cm

As a collector of modern art first, she understood that African art shaped the trajectory of 20th-century art. Later, in Paris, she met the venerable expert and legendary dealer of African art, Charles Ratton.

In one brief meeting, he said to her: “You have a good eye.”

Female Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Yombe Artist. Height: 18.3 cm

This encounter distilled her passion and pursuit of excellence in classical African art.

Angokh Nlo Byeri Head for a Reliquary Ensemble, Gabon

Fang Artist. Height: 37.5 cm
Base by the Japanese wood artist Kichizô Inagaki (1876–1951), Paris
Label with no. 49 and C.A.1612

Okuyi Mask, Gabon

Punu Artist. Height: 28 cm

Sceptre, Nigeria. Yoruba or Owo Artist. Height: 21.5 cm

The Ceil and Michael Pulitzer Foundation has developed and supported a number of philanthropic endeavours in Africa, and in major institutions that promote the art of Africa and humanitarian efforts there.

Kpwan Mask, Ivory Coast

Baule Artist. Height: 48 cm

Luba-Shankadi Headrest, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 'Master of the Cascade Coiffure'. Height: 17.5 cm, Length: 17.2 cm

Mask, Liberia. Grebo or Kru Artist. Height: 39 cm

Nkisi Power Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Yombe Artist. Height: 31 cm

Muti Wa Lipito Mask, Mozamique. Makonde Artist. Height: 23 cm

Nsodia Memorial Head, Twifo-Heman Region, Ghana

Akan Artist, Circa 17th–18th Century. Height: 24 cm

Phemba Maternity Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Yombe Artist. Height: 27.9 cm

Following Images Courtesy Sotheby's 'The Robert Rubin Collection of African Art' New York Auction, 13 May 2011. Lot 37

Novelist, poet, and civil rights activist James Baldwin (1924–87) discusses the Yombe maternity in the catalogue of the exhibition 'Perspectives: Angles on African Art at New York’s Museum for African Art' (1987, p. 120):

"The key is her stance, the way she holds the baby in one hand—she’s at once preparing the baby and preparing to let him go."

“She sees what he’s going to be facing and he doesn’t see it yet. The baby is turned toward her. She has one hand protecting him, on his head. It may be that the baby is facing that way but I think not. I think the baby is facing towards her."

"Her eyes look far-seeing—into the baby’s future. She might be anointing the baby. She’s preparing him, in any case, for a journey. She knows about the journey—he doesn’t yet. And she’s also warning his enemies. Ah, but again, another time and space."

'Beauty Unusual: Masterworks from the Ceil Pulitzer Collection of African Art' will be released on 11 January 2021 and can be pre-ordered from Amazon.