Jesús Rafael Soto (1923-2005)

Galerie Godard Lefort, Montreal
Irving Galleries, Palm Beach
Acquired from the above by the present owner circa 1974

The panel is in very good condition considering its age and it appears structurally sound. The white background panel exhibits tiny fissures in the surface caused by movement in the wood. The pinstriped panel in the center is in very good condition and the lines appear crisp and legible. Two faint scratches in the pinstripes were noted where the bars came in contact with the surface. These scratches are on each side of the pinstripe panel and have been inpainted to make them appear less noticeable. Three sets of painted metal bars are suspended in front of the panel. Tiny spots of paint loss can be seen on all of the bars with minor rusting below. This condition is most prevalent on the blue bars. The way the monofilament is threaded through the stainless steel bar is consistent with the blue and black bars. The green bars are threaded differently so that they skip a hole, which terminates with one hole empty at the end. (This condition report has been provided courtesy of Wilson Conservation.)
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.