CATALOG of the COLLECTION OF OBJECTS resulting FROM BELGIAN CONGO and belonging to Alex. VAN OPSTAL

Description

Rare catalog of the collection of objects from the Belgian Congo and owned by Alex. Van Opstal published in very few copies privately in 1933. This sumptuous catalog number 899 objects by order of the numbers with classification series of objects: Wood Carved Figurines–fetishes, masks, seats, Animals (skulls, horns, stuffed animals, skins, feathers, etc …), Scepters Katanga and Cannes, Music, Pottery, Ornaments, various tools, toiletries, “household items” Mint Ivoire, Weapons, basketry and fabrics. In 1930, Alex. Van Opstal created in his big house called “White House” located in the outskirts of Brussels “African room” who wanted to show a complete panorama of the artistic production of the Belgian Congo.

This African Lounge is a unique example in Belgium of a collection of objects made of Belgian Congo between 1910 and 1933 that accurately reflects both its owner and his era. Although Alexis van Opstal never visited the Congo nor set foot on African soil that does not prevent it nevertheless was an employee of the first hour. Most of the works on display were collected by Major Lawrence, director of the Company Iron Congo from 1902 to 1910 and longtime friend of the family van Opstal. The family has kept for years this almost intact all revealing how this African living reflects both the great curiosity Alex van Opstal and innate sense of elegance and refined detail. Each object in the collection is identified by a small numbered metal medallion is a beautiful catalog with detailed instructions for all categories. We will not tax Alex van Opstal of “mélanomanie” in the words of Apollinaire but we feel a deep interest in things produced by man as well as his growing interest in the minor arts or decorative.

[Note: A copy of the sale of tribal art catalog organized June 10, 2008 by the Artcurial auction house in which included 172 items that belonged to Alex. van Opstal – sold Catalogue – will be attached as an addendum to complement this reference book brings together all of the Belgian Congo Object Collection].