Carved Ebony Bust of a African Woman by Ferdinand Parpan

Sculpted carved ebony of an Africanist by Ferdinand Parpan. Signed: "F Parpan 49". He was a sculptor of religious subjects, groups, figures, and animals. While a young child, he learned to sculpt from his father, a professional artist. Parpan planned to study at the École des Beaux-Arts, but due to World War I he worked for six years as an apprentice to an engraver. During this time he also learned to paint. In 1926 he opened his own studio, but it was years before he exhibited his works publicly. Beginning in 1936 Parpan exhibited solo shows in Paris and smaller French towns. Beginning in the 1950s he exhibited regularly at the Salon de l'Art Libre in Paris and the Salon des Indépendants. In 1994 his work was exhibited at the Marie du XVI arrondissement (the town hall) in Paris. He was awarded a silver medal from the Ville de Paris, a vermeil medal from Arts et Lettres, and Prix European de la Sculpture in Rouen in 1991. Parpan also exhibited outside of France. He won a first place prize in Monte Carlo. He exhibited as well in many galleries in England, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, and the United States.   France.

width

8 in. (20.32 cm)

height

15 in. (38.1 cm)

depth

8 in. (20.32 cm)

condition

Very good original condition. Provenance: Private collection Paris France

Circa 1949