Alexander Calder

Sir Philip and Lady Hendy (acquired directly from the artist)
Thence by descent to the present owner

Colours: The colours are fairly accurate in the catalogue illustration, although the overall tonality is brighter and more vibrant in the original. The yellow-orange in the centre tends more towards orange, and the red in the upper left corner more to bright cherry red in the original. Condition: This work is in good condition and floats freely on the backing board. There are very slight handling marks visible to the centre of the left and right extreme edges, and a few light rub marks to the centre of the right extreme edge. There is some light creasing to the lower left corner. There is a minor horizontal line of paper skinning to the left side of the lower edge. There are a number of vertical creases and a repaired tear (7 cm approx, to the right of centre) running up from the lower extreme edge which appear to have been stabilised verso. There are narrow margins of pale time-staining in places along each extreme edge. Two very short tears are visible towards the top of the left extreme edge and there are a few tiny and unobtrusive nicks around the extreme edges of the sheet. There are scattered fine networks of drying craquelure predominantly to the left vertical section of the composition and in a few places elsewhere (visible in the catalogue illustration). There is a small paint loss (2cm diameter approx) to the black paint at the top of the lower central red circle (visible in the catalogue illustration). There is a small media accretion to the upper section of the left extreme edge, 4.5 cm in from the edge, and a few further small pale media accretions to the upper right quadrant.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."