Maria Helena Vieira da Silva

Knoedler Gallery, New York
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner

Guy Weelen and Jean-François Jaeger, Vieira da Silva: Catalogue Raisonné, Geneva 1994, p. 320, no. 1598, illustrated

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although there are no grey undertones, the background is lighter and the catalogue illustration fails to convey the various blues present in the original. Condition: This work is in good condition. There are some isolated networks of cracks and places with some small losses to the surface. There are isolated areas where the paint is flaking, and two fly spots towards the centre of the composition. No restoration is apparent when examined under ultraviolet light.
"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."

"I do not know what non-figurative painting is supposed to be. The starting point for my paintings is always reality. And you must not forget that a painter gets used to looking at things and really knowing what they are like, whereas those who do not paint see nothing but formulas."

MARIA HELENA VIEIRA DA SILVA
quoted in: Gisela Rosenthal, Vieira da Silva 1908-1992: The Quest for Unknown Space, Cologne 1998, p. 71