Art that stays with you
The Auburn Hare Gallery is an independent online gallery specialising in original paintings, works on paper and sculpture. We seek out distinctive works that deserve to be seen, collected and enjoyed.
Explore Our Latest Stock
Artist: Farouq Hassan (Iraqi, born 1939)
Title:Buffalo Herd
Date: 1977
Medium: Oil on canvas
Signature/inscription: Signed and dated 1977 lower left; further inscribed in Arabic verso
Image dimensions: 54 × 68 cm
Framed dimensions: 58.5 × 70.5 cm
Frame: Presented in a period gilt frame with a linen-covered slip
An atmospheric original oil painting by the Iraqi artist Farouq Hassan, depicting a closely gathered herd of buffalo beneath a pale, overcast sky.
Hassan has constructed the composition using broad, expressive strokes and a restrained palette of smoky greys, blacks and earthy browns, relieved by occasional passages of muted red, blue and pink. The dark, densely grouped animals contrast effectively with the loosely painted landscape and expansive sky, giving the work a strong sense of movement and atmosphere.
Born in Basra in 1939, Farouq Hassan graduated from the Institute of Fine Arts in Baghdad in 1960 and later studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome. His long career has encompassed both figurative and more abstract approaches, often drawing upon the people, animals, landscapes and cultural heritage of Iraq.
The painting is signed and dated 1977 lower left and bears a further Arabic inscription on the reverse of the canvas. It is presented in its attractive period gilt frame with a linen-covered inner slip.
Provenance and sale history:
Acquired from a private collection in the Gosport area, Hampshire, in 2017
Condition:
Generally in good condition for its age. There are some minor surface marks. The frame displays age-related wear, contributing to its period character. Please examine all photographs, which form part of the description. Further photographs and condition information are available on request.
See this item on our eBay shop: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/267763812177
Artist: Indian School
Title:A Princely Shooting Party in a Wooded Landscape
Date: Probably early 20th century
Medium: Opaque watercolour and ink on paper
Signature/inscription: Apparently unsigned; inscribed “Indian Miniature” verso
Sheet dimensions: 14 x 17.5cm
Framed dimensions: 34.5 × 37 cm
A finely detailed Indian miniature painting depicting a princely shooting party in a wooded landscape. A kneeling marksman, dressed in vivid blue and wearing a patterned turban, aims a long gun through the trees while a richly dressed nobleman and three attendants observe from behind.
The scene is executed in the later Mughal tradition, combining precisely delineated figures and textiles with freely painted foliage, rocks and distant wildlife. The colourful clothing and intricate turbans contrast attractively with the predominantly green and earth-toned landscape.
Presented under glass in a gilt frame with a wide turquoise fabric mount and gilt inner slip.
Condition:
The painting appears to be in generally good condition, with some age-related toning, slight undulation and minor marks to the paper. There are several small spots and marks to the turquoise fabric mount, together with wear and minor losses to the gilt frame. Please examine all photographs, which form part of the description. Further photographs and condition information are available on request.
View this item on our eBay shop: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/267764574076
Culture: Makonde people, southern Tanzania or northern MozambiqueTitle: Female body mask (njorowe or ndimu)Date: Probably mid-20th centuryMedium: Carved and darkly patinated woodOverall dimensions: 59 × 29 cm
A large carved wooden female body mask associated with the Makonde people of southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique. Hollowed from a single piece of wood, it represents an elongated female torso with prominent breasts and a rounded abdomen.
The linear design surrounding the projecting navel represents traditional Makonde scarification and tattooing, with such naval markings believed to possess protective properties.
Body masks of this type were traditionally worn by male masqueraders during initiation performances, together with a female face or helmet mask. The dancer assumed the character of a pregnant woman and enacted pregnancy and childbirth, connecting the performance with fertility, adulthood and social instruction. A closely related example is identified as a njorowe by theLam Museum of Anthropology, while theHood Museum of Art uses both njorowe and ndimu.
The deeply hollowed reverse reflects its original conception as a wearable body mask. It has subsequently been fitted with wire for display as a wall-mounted sculptural object.
Condition:Remains solid but with considerable surface wear, rubbing, scratches and small losses consistent with age, handling and possible use. Areas of the lighter wood are visible beneath the dark surface, particularly around the edges and projecting elements. There are old fixing holes and later hanging fittings verso, together with a small loss at the lower edge. Please examine all photographs, which form part of the description. Further photographs and condition information are available on request.
View this item on our eBay shop: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/267764054491