Sage Figurine, Canto, 1960s

Description

A unique, expressively crafted figurine depicting a bearded sage, made in an Art Deco/Modernist style from the first half of the 20th century.

The figurine is made of a hard mineral-based material, with a decorative brown-and-gold surface finish. The material is heavy, dense and cold to the touch, while its characteristic light mineral structure is visible on the underside and in worn areas.

The base bears a handwritten signature, “Canto”. This signature is particularly interesting in the context of the Portuguese sculptor Ernesto Canto da Maya (1890–1981), whose work included, among other things, sculptures made from mineral compounds and ceramics, as well as pieces with bronze-imitating surfaces. However, the authorship of the figurine has not been confirmed and remains a matter of attribution. The figurine

has a highly distinctive, stylised form: an elongated silhouette, strongly accentuated face, long beard and geometrically shaped robes. The surface bears natural signs of the passage of time, scuffs and minor losses, which emphasise the character of the object.

Condition: good for its age, with visible signs of use, scuffs and minor losses. No conservation treatment.

Material: mineral mixture / mineral composite.
Signature: “Canto”.
Date: probably the first half of the 20th century.
Style: Art Deco / Modernism.