Picked this up for $10. I'm usually good at placing unusual art pieces firmly into "amateur/tourist crap" and "legitimate folk/fine art" categories, but this one is proving elusive. It looks like a lot of tacky religious carvings I come across (I pass on these as they generally have no value), but the subject matter is interesting, being an interpretation of a secular (and pretty grim) theme, the abduction of the Sabine women by the Romans. At least that's the closest I've been able to come across: Google "Rape/Abduction of Sabine Women" for other artists' interpretations.
It's no masterpiece, but it's skillful enough and certainly took time to carve by hand... and it's an interesting choice of subject matter.
So, am I missing something? Are things like this common? If not, I'm going to guess art student's piece, no idea on date though. "JORDAN" is spelled out in pen on the bottom of the base, almost looks like a child's handwriting. No idea if it's the artist or not.
Anyway, some pics:
Stands about 12" high, no idea what kind of wood but it has been heavily varnished. Think I'll ask $100 OBO if it turns out not to be common.
It's no masterpiece, but it's skillful enough and certainly took time to carve by hand... and it's an interesting choice of subject matter.
So, am I missing something? Are things like this common? If not, I'm going to guess art student's piece, no idea on date though. "JORDAN" is spelled out in pen on the bottom of the base, almost looks like a child's handwriting. No idea if it's the artist or not.
Anyway, some pics:
Stands about 12" high, no idea what kind of wood but it has been heavily varnished. Think I'll ask $100 OBO if it turns out not to be common.
