00:00
/
00:00
Smith, Levi Alasua Pirti
Spirit Figure Figure d'esprit
1955 1955

Levi Alasua Pirti Smith was among the earliest carvers of stone sculpture for southern buyers in Puvirnituq, Quebec. Known for his fantastical and transformative figures, he alternates polish and rough incision to emphasize the twisting upward movement. Both Spirit Figure and the adjacent face carved into whale bone were once owned by Kathleen Fenwick, the first curator of prints and drawings at the National Gallery of Canada, who also served on the now-defunct Canadian Eskimo Arts Council._

Smith, Levi Alasua Pirti
Qikirtajuaq QC 1927-Qikirtajuaq QC 1986 Qikirtajuaq QC 1927-Qikirtajuaq QC 1986
Spirit Figure Figure d'esprit
1955 1955
Soap stone Stéatite
height / width / depth: 14.70 x 2.50 x 5.50 cm; 5.79 x .98 x 2.17 in.
Gift of Jacqueline Hunter, 1995 Don de Jacqueline Hunter, 1995
38-020.02

Subscribe to our “This Week at Agnes” e-newsletter to stay abreast of events, news and opportunities at the art museum.