Image of Woman
Dot painting possibly oil on canvas done by a Aboriginal woman . It is in excellent condition and framed in Boca Raton Fl
Framed 34x28 Inside frame 23x16
Inherited
Yes
Hello, this item is an original Aboriginal painting attributed by the attached documentation to Ruby Morton Kngwarreye, an Alyawarre artist from the Utopia region of Australia’s Northern Territory. The accompanying handwritten note identifies the subject as a women’s ceremony connected with Ngkwarlerlaneme Country and describes the imagery as a body-paint design. The composition uses repeated dotted lines, curved ceremonial forms, and earthy black, white, ochre, yellow, and pink pigments. These elements correspond with Kngwarreye’s documented practice of painting Awelye, or women’s ceremonial body-paint designs.
The work appears to be acrylic on canvas or linen and is presented in a substantial decorative frame. Its apparent condition is good, although the photographs do not show the reverse of the actual painting, a signature, dimensions written on the support, or a formal certificate from a recognised Aboriginal art centre or gallery. The photograph of the artist holding the work and the handwritten identification provide useful provenance, but buyers would still expect further documentation for stronger attribution. Comparable works by Ruby Morton Kngwarreye show a broad market depending on size and provenance, with smaller works offered at modest retail levels and larger documented examples selling in the several-hundred-dollar range or higher.
Fair Market Value: $500 - $900 USD
Hello Donna,
Yes, examining the reverse of the actual canvas could be helpful. It may reveal a signature, title, dimensions, inventory number, gallery label, art-centre information, or other markings that could strengthen the attribution and provenance. However, I would not recommend tearing away the paper backing yourself, as this could disturb the framing or risk accidental damage to the work.
The safest option is to ask a professional framer to remove the backing paper carefully, photograph the entire reverse of the canvas and any labels or inscriptions, and then replace the backing with new archival paper. Please also photograph the edges of the canvas and the stretcher or support. If relevant markings are found, you can submit the new photographs for review, although a signature alone would not automatically confirm authenticity.
Best,
I need to ask if I removed the paper from behind the picture of the woman would that help if I could find a signature or whatever on the back it would mean tearing the framers backing which is just paper