Ending 7th Jun, 2026 16:00
Olympia Timed: Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art 2026
321
‡ BEN ENWONWU MBE (NIGERIAN 1917-1994)
UNTITLED
initialed BE lower right
pen on paper
12 x 19.6cm; 4 34 x 7 3/4in
46.2 x 53.5cm; 18 1/4 x 21in (framed)
Property from a Private Collection, Lagos
Ben Enwonwu MBE (1917–1994) is widely regarded as the most influential African artist of the twentieth century and the pioneer of Nigerian modernism. Born in Onitsha, Anambra State, into a family with deep roots in traditional Igbo carving, he studied at Goldsmiths, and the Slade School of Fine Art, becoming the first African graduate of the Slade. In 1949, Ebony magazine declared him "Africa's greatest artist", and by 1950 his work had been exhibited across four continents. Appointed Art Supervisor by the Nigerian colonial government and later Art Adviser to the Federal Government, he was awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 1955 and held a professorship at the University of Ife.
UNTITLED
initialed BE lower right
pen on paper
12 x 19.6cm; 4 34 x 7 3/4in
46.2 x 53.5cm; 18 1/4 x 21in (framed)
Property from a Private Collection, Lagos
Ben Enwonwu MBE (1917–1994) is widely regarded as the most influential African artist of the twentieth century and the pioneer of Nigerian modernism. Born in Onitsha, Anambra State, into a family with deep roots in traditional Igbo carving, he studied at Goldsmiths, and the Slade School of Fine Art, becoming the first African graduate of the Slade. In 1949, Ebony magazine declared him "Africa's greatest artist", and by 1950 his work had been exhibited across four continents. Appointed Art Supervisor by the Nigerian colonial government and later Art Adviser to the Federal Government, he was awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 1955 and held a professorship at the University of Ife.
Auction: Olympia Timed: Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art 2026, ending 7th Jun, 2026
If you want to start collecting striking modern and contemporary art in a newly developing market, our sales are for you. Each spring and autumn, the Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Department hold tightly curated, live and online auctions. Expect to find Arab artists such as Rabab Nemr, Ahmed Farid, Seif Wanly and Fateh Moudarres. African artists featured have ranged from modern masters such as Ablade Glover, Sam Ntiro and Jacob Hendrik Pierneef, to contemporary artists George Lilanga, Jilali Gharbaoui, Famakan Magassa, Christano Mangovo, Oluwole Omofemi, Esther Mahlangu and Brett Seiler.
