Images of Power: Art of the Royal Court of Benin, NYU, 1981, Very Good Catalogue

Kaplan, Flora S. (Introduction and Editor), and Mary Anne Shea (Editorial Assistant). Images of Power: Art of the Royal Court of Benin (New York: New York University, 1981).

English, Very Good, SC, 8vo, 11" x 8 1/2," 80 pp., including illustrations and References.

ISBN: N/A

Black paper wrappers with metallic copper and white lettering printed on front. No lettering to spine. Covers have a significant bump near head of spine which has resulted in a closed tear measuring about 1" on spine, slightly bumped tips, light rubbing, and a few small wrinkles, else clean and intact. Pages have slightly bumped tips on fore-edge, else pristine and intact. Replete with black-and-white illustrations. Many examples of artwork are illustrated. Published on the occasion of an exhibition that was held from January 23-February 21, 1981 at New York University's The Grey Art Gallery. This catalog is a survey of traditional African art in the royal court of Benin and examines various aspects of the court's history. There are several essays by different authors which are titled, "Benin Art as Power," "Benin: The Sack That Never Was," "The King's Ivories," "Benin City and the Royal Patronage of the Arts," "Reading the Art of Benin," and "Of Symbols and Civilizations."