MacDougall's Russian Art Auctions 8-9 June 2011

8 June 2011

Artist Index / Full Catalogue


Bird of a Prophet,

* 364. NEY, ALEXANDER (B. 1939)

Bird of a Prophet, signed and dated 1980.

Terracotta, 19.5 by 13 by 31.5 cm.
2,500-3,000 GBP


Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner.
Private collection, USA.  

Authenticity of the work has been confirmed by the artist.

In common mythology and Biblical lore, a bird often accompanied great people for missions. According to the artist, this piece is not a zoological bird, but rather an examination of a mythical bird from our collective human understandings. It does not symbolize some particular event or prophecy, rather it is an interesting observation of the subtle importance of the relationship of birds with humankind, since ancient times to modern day.

Alexander Ney


Notes on symbols:
* Indicates 5% Import Duty Charge applies.
Ω Indicates 20% Import Duty Charge applies.
§ Indicates Artist's Resale Right applies.
† Indicates Standard VAT scheme applies, and the rate of 20% VAT will be charged on both hammer price and premium.