Lot 33
  • 33

Sol LeWitt

Estimate
120,000 - 180,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • Sol Lewitt
  • Blue Grid, Black Circles, Yellow and Red Arcs from Adjacent Corners
  • signed, titled and dated April 4 1972
  • ink and graphite on paper
  • 13 1/2 by 13 1/2 in. 34.3 by 34.3 cm.

Provenance

E.P. Gurewitsch Works of Art, Inc., New York
Acquired by the present owner from the above in 1978

Condition

This work is in excellent condition overall. There are artist's pinholes in the 4 corners. There is small, pinpoint spot noted in the lower center left border. Under very close inspection, there is a small faint, unobtrusive area of light wear at the extreme right center edge of the sheet. Framed under Plexiglas.
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.

Catalogue Note

Sol LeWitt is one of the major figures of his time and is regarded as a founder of both minimal and conceptual art.  A sculptor, printmaker and draftsman, he came to be known for the grid, the most basic ingredient in all he produced. Because of the unlimited possibilities inherent in the grid form and as a consequence of his unique implementation of this ubiquitous vocabulary, Sol LeWitt is defined within his own category.

Blue Grid, Black Circles, Yellow and Red Arcs from Adjacent Corners, is an example of LeWitt’s refined pattern. An important drawing, comprising the basic configuration of parallel lines and cardinal points in conjunction with impressively narrow yet vibrant negative spaces, this work exemplifies his extraordinary skill. However, it is not only an example of an artist whose stellar reputation is based on the creation of a body of work that is remarkably coherent, innovative and liberating, but it is also a work defined by simple and stunning beauty. Beyond the abundance of intense and scrupulous line work, this drawing impressively captivates its viewer within a vortex of line and color. It slowly reveals itself with each passing moment in a whimsically kinetic display of blue, yellow and red.

Sol LeWitt transformed the idea and practice of drawing. His art is not overtly concerned with the singular hand of the artist but rather the ideas behind the practice that surpass each work. So immaculately constructed the human hand is almost unavailable in this drawing, it represents a pure example of the balance between concept and beauty that defined the artist.