Ben Enwonwu Gouache on paper

Updated October 15, 2026

Title: Masquerade Dancer with Feathered Headdress Technique: Gouache on paper Measures: 10 x 7 inches (approximately 25.4 x 17.8 cm) Year: Undated Condition: Appears in good overall condition. The work displays vivid, saturated colors, energetic brushwork, and strong contrast against the dark ground. Minor surface wear and age-related imperfections may be present. Presented in a gold-toned frame with a textured crackle finish and a black inner liner. Condition is described from the photographs supplied. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description. Provenance: From a private American collection; reportedly retained in private hands before entering the present consignment. Information concerning earlier ownership was not supplied. Visual Description: A dynamic figurative composition depicting a dancer captured mid-movement, the body twisting forward with one arm extended and one leg stepping low toward the ground. The figure is rendered in luminous yellow-green, patterned with red, white, and dark striped markings that suggest body paint or ceremonial adornment. A white mask-like face is crowned by an exuberant headdress of feathered forms in blue, green, pink, and red, while white bands encircle the wrists and ankles. Bursts of color flicker against a deep black background, giving way to sweeping passages of orange, ochre, and green across the lower edge. Rendered in the modernist style of Ben Enwonwu, the work emphasizes rhythm, movement, and vibrant color, recalling the artist’s celebrated depictions of Nigerian masquerade dancers and the spirit of traditional performance. This composition reflects stylistic elements commonly associated with major figures in modern and contemporary art. For additional information regarding certification, provenance, or any inquiries about this piece or other items, please don’t hesitate to contact us through the HiBid platform. A secondary market exists for uncatalogued artworks like this one, which often results in lower estimated and sale prices compared to catalogued artist works. If you have any specific questions or require further assistance in understanding the value, context, or details of this artwork, we are here to help and provide any additional information you may need.

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