Enwonwu’s ‘Anyanwu,’ sells for N138. 8m
‘Anyanwu’ a 1956 bronze sculpture by Nigeria’s artist, late Professor Ben Enwonwu, sold for N138.8m (£353, 000) last week in London at the auction house, Bonhams.
The auction was the culmination of the commemoration of Enwonwu’s 100th posthumous birthday which began with a dinner at Bonhams’ Mayfair, London headquarters. It was hosted by the chairman and founder of Coronation Capital Nigeria, Mr. Aigboje AigImoukhuede and his wife, in conjunction with Bonhams.
At the event, Bonhams’ Director of African Art, Giles Peppiatt, according to reports, said Enwonwu was the first important Nigerian artist to reflect the sculptural traditions of his people in his work and it was a great privilege for Bonhams to join with Mr. and Mrs. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede to “celebrate the centenary of the birth of this remarkable man.”
Peppiatt said: “At that time, opportunities were not there. He came to study in Cambridge and Oxford and he learnt a lot and went out there to develop and foster his own work in a very massive way and in his own manner and language,” adding that a version of Enwonwu’s ‘Anyanwu’ was chosen by the people of Nigeria and was given to the United Nations (UN) when the country was commemorating her independence.
Peppiatt who referred to Enwonwu as very critical to the art scene said this was the reason he was commissioned to sculpt a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II when she visited Nigeria in 1956.
Aig-Imoukhuede said he grew up knowing and admiring the artist for the outstanding beauty of his works. He said: “One of the very first paintings I came to own, was the print of the famous ‘Tutu.’ Beyond family connections, my wife and I have become avid collectors of his works. We are indeed privileged and honoured to hold along with Bonhams, the first of many events to celebrate this great African master.
“His works of art command premium prices in international arts market and set the standard for African contemporary art,” he added.
‘Anyanwu,’ generally considered an Enwonwu masterpiece, had been estimated to lead the lots for sales at Bonhams Africa Now auction before February 15 in London. Another version once sold as the bestselling work of Enwonwu at an Arthouse auction in Lagos for N21 million.