26a.   A standing figure of mother and child



South-east Africa

(early twentieth century)

height: 30cm

Attributed to the carver who worked in Senhor João Bello's garden in Lourenço Marques, Mozambique

A number of works by this carver have been identified in recent years. A core group of his works were sold at Christie's, London, 21 March 1983 (lots 245-247) and came with the provenance of Senhor João Bello who first went to Mozambique as a naval officer in 1897 and lived there until 1926. On his return to Lisbon he was appointed Minister of the Colonies, a post he held until his death in 1928. According to the information that accompanied these works, this carver executed his works in Bello's garden in Lourenço Marques.

© 2003 Michael Stevenson. All rights reserved.