Josef Herman African Art collection of Miniatures

Josef Herman portrait by http://nicholassinclair.com/ 

Born in Warsaw, Poland. In 1929-31 studied at School of Art and Decoration in Warsaw. In 1938 left Poland for Brussels, where he was influenced by Permeke.

He Moved to Britain in 1940, lived in Glasgow for a time where he met Jankel Adler, then moved to London where he had a show at Lefevre Galleries.

 A period of great importance began when Herman settled for about a decade from mid-140's in the Welsh mining village, Ystradgynlais and began a series of sombre-hued paintings and ink drawings of miners and their environment.

In 1946 had first of a number of solo shows at Roland, Browse and Delbanco, also began to show internationally.

Josef Herman collected African Art and specialy the small figures where he found solutions for his own art. His Miniatures collection is quite well know, and he used to exchange or sell the bigger ones to buy smaller ones during his life.

Had first of several retrospectives at Whitechapel Art Gallery in 1960, others including Swansea and Glasgow public galleries in 1963 and 1975 respectively.

His work is represented in many public art collections including the Tate Gallery. Elected RA in 1990.

A big part of Josef Herman African Miniatures collection was sold at Christie's in Amsterdam a few years ago, but I got them through Dr Peter Westerdijk who got them directly from him in the early 70's.

There are two publications with some of his African Art pieces:

Miniature African sculptures from the Herman collection
(not available at the moment of writing)

a little book with some black and white illustrations and

The  Josef Herman Collection of African Art auction catalogue from Christies on tuesday 12 december 2000.

The miniatures in my collection where not at the Christie's auction, but acquired by Peter Westerdijk in the early 70's directly from Josef Herman.

see also some of the Josef Herman pieces in our collection at this moment :

A collection of Josef Herman miniatures - click the blue links to send me an email and receive more images from your favorite miniature(s)  :

 NEW josef herman Bangwa information request of availability ADD TO CART (click to email) price: 3.600 € NEW

click here for more images about the Bangwa figure

see more images of A fine Bangwa figure from the Josef Herman collection

 josef herman Bangwa information request of availability ADD TO CART (click to email) price: 3.600 € NEW

Wood, 13 cm
Stylized with pointing edges, standing on two strong feet, the openwork arms ending on the abdomen. A delicate face with an introspective expression, spike shape coiffure. Fine patina due to use.

A Kwere statue Price: 1,300 € Kwere Statue

A Kwere statue josef herman information request of availability ADD TO CART (click to email) Price: 1,300 €

A fine female miniature 13 cm high from the Kwere Tribe of Tanzania. Stylized with two pointing edges in the traditional hairdressing, two white beads inserted in the eyes.Arms ending on the abdomen attached on the body. Triangular face, and on an abstract motives base. Remains of offerings, and fine shiny patina.

red-Bena-Lulua-Josef-Herman-12-8cm price 1,100 €

red-Bena-Lulua-Josef-Herman-12-8cm josef herman information request of availability ADD TO CART (click to email)

price 1,100 €

Nsapo-Nsapo Josef Herman 16,5cm.Price 1,100 €

Nsapo-Nsapo Josef Herman 16,5cm.Price 1,100 €, josef herman information request of availability ADD TO CART (click to email)

A little bigger with it's 16,5 cm and with remains of red Tokula offerings. This figure was probably part of a diviner's "tool kit." It comes from a Songye-related group, the Nsapo, who migrated northeast to Lulua country in the 1880s. The quite strong pose and spike coiffure is typical among the Lulua. Attractively priced at 1,100 euros, more pictures on request.

Songye without eyes, from the Josef Herman collection

Songye without eyes -Josef-Herman-12,5cm price 1,300 euros josef herman information request of availability ADD TO CART (click to email)

A interesting stylized Songye miniature without eyes.

More images  click on the image below..

>> continue to page 2 - click here  to see more Josef Herman miniatures <<

or if interested in the Yombe you see in the middle.(click on image below to see and to read more)

What Next ?

I you have any more questions please click on the link or add to cart symbol in the above description. By doing so you will send me an email, and I'll let you know if the piece you like is still available.

josef herman information request of availability