- 118
Grigori Efimovich Gluckmann
Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 GBP
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Description
- Grigori Efimovich Gluckmann
- Meditation
- incised with the artist's signature in Latin l.r.; further bearing O'Brien's Art Emporium label on the backing paper
- oil on panel
- 92.5 by 76cm, 36 1/2 by 30in.
Provenance
O'Brien's Art Emporium, Scottsdale, Arizona
Acquired from the above by the family of the present owner in 1960
Acquired from the above by the family of the present owner in 1960
Exhibited
Scottsdale, O'Brien's Art Emporium, Grigory Gluckmann, 1958
Condition
The panel is slightly warped. There are four regularly-spaced horizontal fine cracks to the paint layer where the boards of the support join. There are frame abrasions along all four edges with some associated paint loss. There is fine craquelure throughout. There is an uneven layer of varnish and a light layer of surface dirt. There are cracks along the joints of the panel visible on the reverse which are lifting in places. Inspection under UV does not reveal any apparent signs of retouching. Held in an attractive painted wooden frame. Unexamined out of frame.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The reverse of this painting bears a typewritten copy of a letter from Dalzell Hatfield, the owner of the eponymous Los Angeles Gallery, to William O'Brien, the owner of O'Brien's Art Emporium in Scottsdale, Arizona from which the painting was bought by the family of the present owner. Dalzell Hatfield's gallery held regular exhibitions of Gluckmann’s work between 1941, when he immigrated to America, and 1977.
Following his departure from Russia after the Revolution, Gluckmann spent the best part of a year studying the Old Masters in Italy which was to have a lasting influence on his painting. Hatfield likens Gluckmann’s subtle rendition of flesh in this painting to that of Giorgione. His delicate but painstaking technique of gradually building up overlapping layers of thin colour glazes is what imparts the characteristic gentle glow, bathing his sitters in sensuous light. Dalzell describes how 'Each year Mr Gluckmann sets himself the difficult task of creating an important size canvas which is generally used as the center piece for his exhibitions in New York and in our gallery here in California…he will work on such a painting the best part of a year...'
'Saying that this picture would have to be considered a masterpiece by Mr Gluckmann is saying the least one could say about his great creativeness…I would say that there are few artists alive in the world today who could accomplish such an excellent work. I feel it is worthy to hang in any museum in the world.'
Following his departure from Russia after the Revolution, Gluckmann spent the best part of a year studying the Old Masters in Italy which was to have a lasting influence on his painting. Hatfield likens Gluckmann’s subtle rendition of flesh in this painting to that of Giorgione. His delicate but painstaking technique of gradually building up overlapping layers of thin colour glazes is what imparts the characteristic gentle glow, bathing his sitters in sensuous light. Dalzell describes how 'Each year Mr Gluckmann sets himself the difficult task of creating an important size canvas which is generally used as the center piece for his exhibitions in New York and in our gallery here in California…he will work on such a painting the best part of a year...'
'Saying that this picture would have to be considered a masterpiece by Mr Gluckmann is saying the least one could say about his great creativeness…I would say that there are few artists alive in the world today who could accomplish such an excellent work. I feel it is worthy to hang in any museum in the world.'