Surrealism, the avant-garde art movement that emerged a century ago, is still captivating audiences today. To mark this milestone, a rare sculpture by the renowned Surrealist artist Leonora Carrington is set to be auctioned at Sotheby’s on November 18. The sculpture, titled “La Grande Dame (The Cat Woman)”, was created by Carrington in 1951 and is expected to fetch between $5 million and $7 million.
Crafted from carved and polychrome wood, the over six feet tall sculpture features Carrington’s signature style of depicting hybrid creatures and dream-like landscapes. With its enigmatic expression and elongated features, “La Grande Dame” exudes a sense of awe and wonder, drawing viewers into its mysterious world.
While some experts have questioned the authenticity of certain sculptures attributed to Carrington, “La Grande Dame” has been confirmed by Harold Gabriel Weisz Carrington, the artist’s eldest son and president of the Fundación Leonora Carrington. Museums and private collectors are anticipated to bid on the sculpture, which is being sold by a distinguished private American collection and was previously owned by British Surrealist patron Edward James.
Julian Dawes, Sotheby’s senior vice president, describes “La Grande Dame” as Carrington’s greatest sculpture, highlighting its relevance and originality in the art world. Carrington, a British artist who later settled in Mexico, drew inspiration from various mythologies and cultures to create her fantastical and unique artworks.
Born into a wealthy English family in 1917, Carrington led a rebellious life that eventually led her to the Surrealist movement in Paris. Moving to Mexico in the 1940s, she became a naturalized Mexican citizen and continued to produce paintings, sculptures, and writings that defied conventional categorization. Carrington’s refusal to explain her work and her preference for the mystical and unexplained have contributed to the enduring appeal of her art.
With the recent surge in demand for Carrington’s work, driven by a renewed interest in the contributions of women Surrealists, “La Grande Dame” represents a rare opportunity for art enthusiasts to acquire a masterpiece by one of the movement’s most enigmatic figures. As Surrealism enters its second century, the legacy of artists like Leonora Carrington continues to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide.
