Joseph Kapeza Sold at Auction Prices

Kapeza had a long and troubled life of mental illness. He started life as a carpenter then left for the woods where he created bizarre objects and ornaments. He disappeared again and reappeared in the marketplace in Kinshasa selling his paintings in 1955. He continued his life in and out of sanity. He met a girl in 1960 who became his wife; shortly thereafter, he was arrested for threatening passersby, after which he was institutionalized. In 1961, he was released and began to work again. As of 1962, he devoted his life to his art. In 1963, he sold most of his canvases to an Austrian collector and then disappeared into the jungle. During the 1960's, in his madness, he signed his paintings in his wife's name N'Sulu (or N'Tsulu). He was exhibited in Monte Carlo on several occasions and is considered one of the founding fathers of Sub-Saharan art during the colonial era.

Read Full Artist Biography

0 Lots

Sort By:

Categories

Auction Date

Seller

Seller Location

Price Range

to
  • JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL
    Oct. 19, 2021

    JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL

    Est: $50 - $1,000

    Heavy impasto on canvas. Un-stretched canvas. Seated figure. Signed, dated '63. Dimensions: (Image) H 19" x W 19.5" Condition: Some cracking and losses. Kapeza had a long and troubled life of mental illness. He started life as a carpenter then left for the woods where he created bizarre objects and ornaments. He disappeared again and reappeared in the marketplace in Kinshasa selling his paintings in 1955. He continued his life in and out of sanity. He met a girl in 1960 who became his wife; shortly thereafter, he was arrested for threatening passersby, after which he was institutionalized. In 1961, he was released and began to work again. As of 1962, he devoted his life to his art. In 1963, he sold most of his canvases to an Austrian collector and then disappeared into the jungle. During the 1960's, in his madness, he signed his paintings in his wife's name N'Sulu (or N'Tsulu). He was exhibited in Monte Carlo on several occasions and is considered one of the founding fathers of Sub-Saharan art during the colonial era.

    Westport Auction
  • JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL
    Oct. 19, 2021

    JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL

    Est: $50 - $1,000

    Heavy impasto on canvas. Un-stretched canvas. Abstracted landscape. Signed, dated '63. Dimensions: (Image) H 17" x W 19.5" Condition: Some cracking and losses. Kapeza had a long and troubled life of mental illness. He started life as a carpenter then left for the woods where he created bizarre objects and ornaments. He disappeared again and reappeared in the marketplace in Kinshasa selling his paintings in 1955. He continued his life in and out of sanity. He met a girl in 1960 who became his wife; shortly thereafter, he was arrested for threatening passersby, after which he was institutionalized. In 1961, he was released and began to work again. As of 1962, he devoted his life to his art. In 1963, he sold most of his canvases to an Austrian collector and then disappeared into the jungle. During the 1960's, in his madness, he signed his paintings in his wife's name N'Sulu (or N'Tsulu). He was exhibited in Monte Carlo on several occasions and is considered one of the founding fathers of Sub-Saharan art during the colonial era.

    Westport Auction
  • JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL
    Oct. 19, 2021

    JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL

    Est: $50 - $1,000

    Heavy impasto on canvas. Un-stretched canvas. Village with a figure. Signed, dated '63. Dimensions: (Image) H 19.5" x W 19.5" Condition: Some cracking and losses. Kapeza had a long and troubled life of mental illness. He started life as a carpenter then left for the woods where he created bizarre objects and ornaments. He disappeared again and reappeared in the marketplace in Kinshasa selling his paintings in 1955. He continued his life in and out of sanity. He met a girl in 1960 who became his wife; shortly thereafter, he was arrested for threatening passersby, after which he was institutionalized. In 1961, he was released and began to work again. As of 1962, he devoted his life to his art. In 1963, he sold most of his canvases to an Austrian collector and then disappeared into the jungle. During the 1960's, in his madness, he signed his paintings in his wife's name N'Sulu (or N'Tsulu). He was exhibited in Monte Carlo on several occasions and is considered one of the founding fathers of Sub-Saharan art during the colonial era.

    Westport Auction
  • JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL
    Oct. 19, 2021

    JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL

    Est: $50 - $1,000

    Heavy impasto on canvas. Un-stretched canvas. Abstracted birds. Signed, dated '63. Dimensions: (Image) H 19.5" x W 19.5" Condition: Some cracking and losses. Kapeza had a long and troubled life of mental illness. He started life as a carpenter then left for the woods where he created bizarre objects and ornaments. He disappeared again and reappeared in the marketplace in Kinshasa selling his paintings in 1955. He continued his life in and out of sanity. He met a girl in 1960 who became his wife; shortly thereafter, he was arrested for threatening passersby, after which he was institutionalized. In 1961, he was released and began to work again. As of 1962, he devoted his life to his art. In 1963, he sold most of his canvases to an Austrian collector and then disappeared into the jungle. During the 1960's, in his madness, he signed his paintings in his wife's name N'Sulu (or N'Tsulu). He was exhibited in Monte Carlo on several occasions and is considered one of the founding fathers of Sub-Saharan art during the colonial era.

    Westport Auction
  • JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL
    Oct. 19, 2021

    JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL

    Est: $50 - $1,000

    Heavy impasto on canvas. Un-stretched canvas. Seated woman. Signed, dated '63 lower right. Dimensions: (Image) H 19" x W 19" Condition: Some cracking and losses. Kapeza had a long and troubled life of mental illness. He started life as a carpenter then left for the woods where he created bizarre objects and ornaments. He disappeared again and reappeared in the marketplace in Kinshasa selling his paintings in 1955. He continued his life in and out of sanity. He met a girl in 1960 who became his wife; shortly thereafter, he was arrested for threatening passersby, after which he was institutionalized. In 1961, he was released and began to work again. As of 1962, he devoted his life to his art. In 1963, he sold most of his canvases to an Austrian collector and then disappeared into the jungle. During the 1960's, in his madness, he signed his paintings in his wife's name N'Sulu (or N'Tsulu). He was exhibited in Monte Carlo on several occasions and is considered one of the founding fathers of Sub-Saharan art during the colonial era.

    Westport Auction
  • JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL
    Oct. 19, 2021

    JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL

    Est: $50 - $1,000

    Heavy impasto on canvas. Un-stretched canvas. Two female figures. Signed, dated '63. Dimensions: (Image) H 23.5" x W 19.5" Condition: Some cracking and losses. Kapeza had a long and troubled life of mental illness. He started life as a carpenter then left for the woods where he created bizarre objects and ornaments. He disappeared again and reappeared in the marketplace in Kinshasa selling his paintings in 1955. He continued his life in and out of sanity. He met a girl in 1960 who became his wife; shortly thereafter, he was arrested for threatening passersby, after which he was institutionalized. In 1961, he was released and began to work again. As of 1962, he devoted his life to his art. In 1963, he sold most of his canvases to an Austrian collector and then disappeared into the jungle. During the 1960's, in his madness, he signed his paintings in his wife's name N'Sulu (or N'Tsulu). He was exhibited in Monte Carlo on several occasions and is considered one of the founding fathers of Sub-Saharan art during the colonial era.

    Westport Auction
  • JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL
    Oct. 19, 2021

    JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL

    Est: $50 - $1,000

    Heavy impasto on canvas. Un-stretched canvas. Abstracted figures. Signed, dated lower right. Dimensions: (Image) H 19.5" x W 19.5" Condition: Some cracking and losses. Kapeza had a long and troubled life of mental illness. He started life as a carpenter then left for the woods where he created bizarre objects and ornaments. He disappeared again and reappeared in the marketplace in Kinshasa selling his paintings in 1955. He continued his life in and out of sanity. He met a girl in 1960 who became his wife; shortly thereafter, he was arrested for threatening passersby, after which he was institutionalized. In 1961, he was released and began to work again. As of 1962, he devoted his life to his art. In 1963, he sold most of his canvases to an Austrian collector and then disappeared into the jungle. During the 1960's, in his madness, he signed his paintings in his wife's name N'Sulu (or N'Tsulu). He was exhibited in Monte Carlo on several occasions and is considered one of the founding fathers of Sub-Saharan art during the colonial era.

    Westport Auction
  • JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL
    Oct. 19, 2021

    JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL

    Est: $50 - $1,000

    Heavy impasto on canvas. Un-stretched canvas. Abstracted figures. Signed, dated lower right. Dimensions: (Image) H 19.5" x W 19.5" Condition: Some cracking and losses. Kapeza had a long and troubled life of mental illness. He started life as a carpenter then left for the woods where he created bizarre objects and ornaments. He disappeared again and reappeared in the marketplace in Kinshasa selling his paintings in 1955. He continued his life in and out of sanity. He met a girl in 1960 who became his wife; shortly thereafter, he was arrested for threatening passersby, after which he was institutionalized. In 1961, he was released and began to work again. As of 1962, he devoted his life to his art. In 1963, he sold most of his canvases to an Austrian collector and then disappeared into the jungle. During the 1960's, in his madness, he signed his paintings in his wife's name N'Sulu (or N'Tsulu). He was exhibited in Monte Carlo on several occasions and is considered one of the founding fathers of Sub-Saharan art during the colonial era.

    Westport Auction
  • JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL
    Oct. 19, 2021

    JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL

    Est: $50 - $1,000

    Heavy impasto on canvas. Un-stretched canvas. Abstracted figures. Signed, dated '63. Dimensions: (Image) H 19" x W 19" Condition: Some cracking and losses. Kapeza had a long and troubled life of mental illness. He started life as a carpenter then left for the woods where he created bizarre objects and ornaments. He disappeared again and reappeared in the marketplace in Kinshasa selling his paintings in 1955. He continued his life in and out of sanity. He met a girl in 1960 who became his wife; shortly thereafter, he was arrested for threatening passersby, after which he was institutionalized. In 1961, he was released and began to work again. As of 1962, he devoted his life to his art. In 1963, he sold most of his canvases to an Austrian collector and then disappeared into the jungle. During the 1960's, in his madness, he signed his paintings in his wife's name N'Sulu (or N'Tsulu). He was exhibited in Monte Carlo on several occasions and is considered one of the founding fathers of Sub-Saharan art during the colonial era.

    Westport Auction
  • JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL
    Oct. 19, 2021

    JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL

    Est: $50 - $1,000

    Heavy impasto on canvas. Un-stretched canvas. Abstracted figures. Signed, dated '63 lower right. Dimensions: (Image) H 19.5" x W 20" Condition: Some cracking and losses. Kapeza had a long and troubled life of mental illness. He started life as a carpenter then left for the woods where he created bizarre objects and ornaments. He disappeared again and reappeared in the marketplace in Kinshasa selling his paintings in 1955. He continued his life in and out of sanity. He met a girl in 1960 who became his wife; shortly thereafter, he was arrested for threatening passersby, after which he was institutionalized. In 1961, he was released and began to work again. As of 1962, he devoted his life to his art. In 1963, he sold most of his canvases to an Austrian collector and then disappeared into the jungle. During the 1960's, in his madness, he signed his paintings in his wife's name N'Sulu (or N'Tsulu). He was exhibited in Monte Carlo on several occasions and is considered one of the founding fathers of Sub-Saharan art during the colonial era.

    Westport Auction
  • JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL
    Oct. 19, 2021

    JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL

    Est: $50 - $1,000

    Heavy impasto on canvas. Un-stretched canvas. Abstracted figures. Signed, dated '63. Dimensions: (Image) H 17" x W 19.5" Condition: Some cracking and losses. Kapeza had a long and troubled life of mental illness. He started life as a carpenter then left for the woods where he created bizarre objects and ornaments. He disappeared again and reappeared in the marketplace in Kinshasa selling his paintings in 1955. He continued his life in and out of sanity. He met a girl in 1960 who became his wife; shortly thereafter, he was arrested for threatening passersby, after which he was institutionalized. In 1961, he was released and began to work again. As of 1962, he devoted his life to his art. In 1963, he sold most of his canvases to an Austrian collector and then disappeared into the jungle. During the 1960's, in his madness, he signed his paintings in his wife's name N'Sulu (or N'Tsulu). He was exhibited in Monte Carlo on several occasions and is considered one of the founding fathers of Sub-Saharan art during the colonial era.

    Westport Auction
  • JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL
    Oct. 19, 2021

    JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL

    Est: $50 - $1,000

    Heavy impasto oil on canvas. Forest scene. Signed and dated lower right. Un-stretched canvas. Dimensions: (Image) H 19" x W 16" Condition: Some small paint loss. Kapeza had a long and troubled life of mental illness. He started life as a carpenter then left for the woods where he created bizarre objects and ornaments. He disappeared again and reappeared in the marketplace in Kinshasa selling his paintings in 1955. He continued his life in and out of sanity. He met a girl in 1960 who became his wife; shortly thereafter, he was arrested for threatening passersby, after which he was institutionalized. In 1961, he was released and began to work again. As of 1962, he devoted his life to his art. In 1963, he sold most of his canvases to an Austrian collector and then disappeared into the jungle. During the 1960's, in his madness, he signed his paintings in his wife's name N'Sulu (or N'Tsulu). He was exhibited in Monte Carlo on several occasions and is considered one of the founding fathers of Sub-Saharan art during the colonial era.

    Westport Auction
  • JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL
    Oct. 19, 2021

    JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL

    Est: $50 - $1,000

    Heavy impasto on canvas. Un-stretched canvas. Forest with hut. Signed lower right. Dated '63. Dimensions: (Image) H 23.5" x W 27.5" Condition: Some cracking and losses. Kapeza had a long and troubled life of mental illness. He started life as a carpenter then left for the woods where he created bizarre objects and ornaments. He disappeared again and reappeared in the marketplace in Kinshasa selling his paintings in 1955. He continued his life in and out of sanity. He met a girl in 1960 who became his wife; shortly thereafter, he was arrested for threatening passersby, after which he was institutionalized. In 1961, he was released and began to work again. As of 1962, he devoted his life to his art. In 1963, he sold most of his canvases to an Austrian collector and then disappeared into the jungle. During the 1960's, in his madness, he signed his paintings in his wife's name N'Sulu (or N'Tsulu). He was exhibited in Monte Carlo on several occasions and is considered one of the founding fathers of Sub-Saharan art during the colonial era.

    Westport Auction
  • JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL
    Oct. 19, 2021

    JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL

    Est: $50 - $1,000

    Heavy impasto on canvas. Un-stretched canvas. Figure in forest. Signed, dated lower right. Dimensions: (Image) H 17" x W 18" Condition: Some cracking and losses. Kapeza had a long and troubled life of mental illness. He started life as a carpenter then left for the woods where he created bizarre objects and ornaments. He disappeared again and reappeared in the marketplace in Kinshasa selling his paintings in 1955. He continued his life in and out of sanity. He met a girl in 1960 who became his wife; shortly thereafter, he was arrested for threatening passersby, after which he was institutionalized. In 1961, he was released and began to work again. As of 1962, he devoted his life to his art. In 1963, he sold most of his canvases to an Austrian collector and then disappeared into the jungle. During the 1960's, in his madness, he signed his paintings in his wife's name N'Sulu (or N'Tsulu). He was exhibited in Monte Carlo on several occasions and is considered one of the founding fathers of Sub-Saharan art during the colonial era.

    Westport Auction
  • JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL
    Oct. 19, 2021

    JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL

    Est: $50 - $1,000

    Heavy impasto on canvas. Un-stretched canvas. Abstract figure. Signed. Dimensions: (Image) H 18" x W 17" Condition: Some cracking and losses. Kapeza had a long and troubled life of mental illness. He started life as a carpenter then left for the woods where he created bizarre objects and ornaments. He disappeared again and reappeared in the marketplace in Kinshasa selling his paintings in 1955. He continued his life in and out of sanity. He met a girl in 1960 who became his wife; shortly thereafter, he was arrested for threatening passersby, after which he was institutionalized. In 1961, he was released and began to work again. As of 1962, he devoted his life to his art. In 1963, he sold most of his canvases to an Austrian collector and then disappeared into the jungle. During the 1960's, in his madness, he signed his paintings in his wife's name N'Sulu (or N'Tsulu). He was exhibited in Monte Carlo on several occasions and is considered one of the founding fathers of Sub-Saharan art during the colonial era.

    Westport Auction
  • JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL
    Oct. 19, 2021

    JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL

    Est: $50 - $1,000

    Heavy impasto on canvas. Un-stretched canvas. Abstracted figures. Signed, dated '63. Dimensions: (Image) H 19.5" x W 19.5" Condition: Some cracking and losses. Kapeza had a long and troubled life of mental illness. He started life as a carpenter then left for the woods where he created bizarre objects and ornaments. He disappeared again and reappeared in the marketplace in Kinshasa selling his paintings in 1955. He continued his life in and out of sanity. He met a girl in 1960 who became his wife; shortly thereafter, he was arrested for threatening passersby, after which he was institutionalized. In 1961, he was released and began to work again. As of 1962, he devoted his life to his art. In 1963, he sold most of his canvases to an Austrian collector and then disappeared into the jungle. During the 1960's, in his madness, he signed his paintings in his wife's name N'Sulu (or N'Tsulu). He was exhibited in Monte Carlo on several occasions and is considered one of the founding fathers of Sub-Saharan art during the colonial era.

    Westport Auction
  • JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL
    Oct. 19, 2021

    JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL

    Est: $50 - $1,000

    Heavy impasto on canvas. Un-stretched canvas. Abstracted figures, signed, dated '63. Dimensions: (Image) H 24" x W 26.5" Condition: Some cracking and losses. Kapeza had a long and troubled life of mental illness. He started life as a carpenter then left for the woods where he created bizarre objects and ornaments. He disappeared again and reappeared in the marketplace in Kinshasa selling his paintings in 1955. He continued his life in and out of sanity. He met a girl in 1960 who became his wife; shortly thereafter, he was arrested for threatening passersby, after which he was institutionalized. In 1961, he was released and began to work again. As of 1962, he devoted his life to his art. In 1963, he sold most of his canvases to an Austrian collector and then disappeared into the jungle. During the 1960's, in his madness, he signed his paintings in his wife's name N'Sulu (or N'Tsulu). He was exhibited in Monte Carlo on several occasions and is considered one of the founding fathers of Sub-Saharan art during the colonial era.

    Westport Auction
  • JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL
    Oct. 19, 2021

    JOSEPH KAPEZA, CONGOLESE (20TH C.) OIL

    Est: $50 - $1,000

    Heavy impasto on canvas. Un-stretched canvas. Abstracted figures. Signed, dated '63. Dimensions: (Image) H 25" x W 28" Condition: Some cracking and losses. Kapeza had a long and troubled life of mental illness. He started life as a carpenter then left for the woods where he created bizarre objects and ornaments. He disappeared again and reappeared in the marketplace in Kinshasa selling his paintings in 1955. He continued his life in and out of sanity. He met a girl in 1960 who became his wife; shortly thereafter, he was arrested for threatening passersby, after which he was institutionalized. In 1961, he was released and began to work again. As of 1962, he devoted his life to his art. In 1963, he sold most of his canvases to an Austrian collector and then disappeared into the jungle. During the 1960's, in his madness, he signed his paintings in his wife's name N'Sulu (or N'Tsulu). He was exhibited in Monte Carlo on several occasions and is considered one of the founding fathers of Sub-Saharan art during the colonial era.

    Westport Auction
Lots Per Page:

Popular Artists

Devices

Get Invaluable on Your Phone

Download the app via text link to get instantly notified if you’re outbid and receive auction reminders so you never miss out!

Bid On-the-Go!

Download the Invaluable app and never miss an auction from your iOS or Android device.

App Store badgeGoogle Play badge
Invaluable Logo

As the world's leading online auction marketplace, thousands of auction houses use Invaluable to deepen relationships with millions of clients around the world. Stay connected to the things you love with curated items and auctions sent to your inbox.

You can unsubscribe at any time. View ourPrivacy Policy.

© 1986-2025 Invaluable, LLC. and participating auction houses. All Rights Reserved.

TermsSubscription AgreementPrivacy PolicyCopyrightGDPR InfoPrivacy ChoiceYour Privacy ChoicesSite Map