Albert Ranaivoson 1958 Pair Busts Young Malagasy Girls Carved Art Deco

A pair of busts depicting two young Malagasy women by Albert Ranaivoson (Madagascar, 1958). Together, they form a harmonious diptych of remarkable sensitivity, revealing a clear Art Deco influence.

One bust features an upright posture and a noble, forward-facing gaze, while the other is distinguished by a tilted neck and a delicately turned face.
The meticulous rendering of traditional hairstyles and the finely crafted facial features demonstrate the artist's technical virtuosity.
Created towards the end of the French colonial administration—just prior to independence in 1960—this work stands as a testament to the Tananarive School of Fine Arts and the Malagasy Applied Arts Workshops.
While the stylized expressions of traditional African art (from the continent) have captivated collectors since the 19th century—and later, major figures of 20th-century Modern art—this piece reflects a Western academic influence typical of the era. It represents a synthesis of Art Deco style, a pursuit of anatomical realism, and the unique identity of Madagascar—the "Great Island"—a land shaped by centuries of cultural blending among populations from mainland Africa, India, Asia, and the West.

Each piece is a *monoxyle* work—carved entirely by hand from a single block of dense, heavy, and noble exotic wood (resembling rosewood), boasting a beautiful, smooth, satin-like patina.
The slightly shorter sculpture bears an incised signature and date beneath its cylindrical base: "A. Ranaivoson 1958".
The second piece, though unsigned, is attributed to the same sculptor; this attribution is based on identical provenance as well as striking technical and stylistic similarities, extending even to the finest details.
Moreover, it was common practice at the time for artists to sign only one piece of a pair.

Condition: Good overall condition. The wood is sound and lustrous.
Note, however, a vertical crack on the signed sculpture that was filled in the past; a detailed photo will be added soon.

Dimensions:

Signed sculpture:
Height 27.5 cm
Width 13 cm
Depth 14 cm
Weight 1670 g

Second sculpture:
Height 29 cm
Width 13 cm
Depth 14 cm
Weight 2084 g

The sculptures can be sold separately at €700 each, including shipping. Further information available upon request.
Shipping: The quoted rate includes shipping within mainland France; the item will be sent in secure packaging with insurance and signature-upon-delivery.
Other destinations subject to a quote / worldwide shipping available on request.