The upcoming Modern Evening Sale at Sotheby’s in New York will feature a rare and exceptional sculpture by Surrealist artist Leonora Carrington. Titled “La Grande Dame (The Cat Woman)” and created in 1951, this sculpture is expected to fetch between $5 million and $7 million. Standing at nearly 80 inches tall, this carved and painted wood statue is considered Carrington’s sculptural magnum opus.
Carrington’s cat woman sculpture is a reflection of the artist’s diverse interests, incorporating elements from cross-cultural folkloric traditions and feminine iconographies. The intricate details on the wooden figure showcase a variety of painted vignettes, including a woman with a goose head offering an egg, and bound figures surrounded by woodland predators and prey in a petroglyphic style.
On the back of the sculpture, Carrington depicts a wolf-like deity cradling a spirit embodying a dandelion seed, symbolizing the exchange of the egg. The cat head and elongated appendages of the figure reference the Ancient Egyptian cat goddess Bastet, known for protection and fertility.
Collaborating with woodworker José Horna, Carrington brought her vision to life in this sculpture. Previously owned by British poet and surrealist patron Edward James, “La Grande Dame” has been featured in exhibitions around the world, including at the Serpentine Gallery and Tate Modern in London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice.
Described as a masterpiece and a central piece in Carrington’s artistic legacy, “La Grande Dame” offers fresh insight into the artist’s mythical imagination. The sculpture will be on view at Sotheby’s New York as part of the pre-sale exhibition starting on November 8th. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this remarkable piece of art in person.
