Diego Giacometti

patinated bronze

Acquired directly from the artist
Collection Robert Lebel and thence by descent

Michel Butor, Diego Giacometti, Paris, 1985, pp. 53 and 89
Françoise Francisci, Diego Giacometti, Catalogue de l'oeuvre, Paris, 1986, n.p.
Daniel Marchesseau, Diego Giacometti, Paris, 1986, pp. 59 and 60-61
Diego Giacometti, Möbel und Objekte aus Bronze, exhibition catalogue, Museum Bellerive, Zürich, June 16 - September 4, 1988, p. 80
Jacqueline von Sprecher, Diego Giacometti, tritt aus dem Schatten, Zürich, 2007, pp. 114-116

EN : Good overall condition. A few light surface scratches scattered. Light handling wear to the patina. A few minor traces of oxidation. All consistent with age and use. The patina on one of the lamp is green, the patina of the other lamp is brown, as visible on the catalogue illustration. Sotheby's does not guarantee electrical components and suggests having all wiring inspected by a licensed electrician. //// FR : Bon état général. Quelques légères rayures de surface éparses. Légère usure de la patine liée à la manipulation. Quelques petites traces d'oxydation. L'ensemble cohérent avec l'âge et l'utilisation. La patine de l'une est verte et celle de l'autre est marron, comme visible sur l'illustration du catalogue. L'ensemble cohérent avec l'âge et l'utilisation de la pièce. Sotheby's ne garantit pas le système électrique et recommande de le faire inspecter par un professionnel.
"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."

Robert Lebel (1901-1986) was a friend and an advocate of the Surrealist artists. Art critic, poet, novelist, he met André Breton, Marcel Duchamp, Max Ernst, Jacques Lacan and Claude Levi-Strauss. He frequented Alberto and Diego Giacometti, and acquired from the latter this pair of lamps.
In 2016, the Pompidou Museum paid tribute to this "great researcher mind" by dedicating an exhibition to him.