Lot 56: Francois Thango (Congolese, 1936-1981) Market scene 24 x 35 1/4in (61 x 89.5cm) unframed

Market scene
signed 'THANGO' (lower right)
tempera on canvas
24 x 35 1/4in (61 x 89.5cm)
unframed

PROVENANCE:
Purchased from the artist in Zaire, c. 1968-1971
Gifted to the current owner, 1971

Francois Thango was a key player in the late-colonial era art scene on the banks of the lower Zaïre river. His mother was one of the Bawoyo people from Cabinda in Angola, while his father was Cameroonian. He was firstly associated with the Poto-Poto atelier in Brazzaville, the capital city of the Congo. He returned home often, and he learned the myths of his ancestors which often influenced his work. In 1959, following some trouble with the authorities, Thango crossed the river to Léopoldville in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and worked closely with Maurice Alhadeff and the École du Pool Malebo.