BAKUTU WOMAN. 11 7/8 x 9 ½- inch toned gelatin silver print on heavy paper. Titled in French and dated 1939 with the insignia of the photographer verso, this is a stunning portrait of this woman from what was then Belgian Congo. While it shows the elaborate scarification of the woman, it is notable for her posing with her relaxed arm behind her back, and her expression. I see it more as a great portrait and not just an ethnographic study. It is reminiscent of the great portraits from this area and time by Casimir Zagourski, but the Zagourskis I’ve seen are posed outdoors, while this presents the woman against a white background. Terrific condition. [4]
$2000