Zao Wou-Ki

Galerie Sapone, Nice
Private Collection, France
Sale: Tajan, Art Abstrait & Contemporain, 23 November 2000, lot 60
Galerie Applicat-Prazan, Paris
Eleanor Post Close & Antal Post de Bekessy Collections

The colours are fairly accurate in the catalogue illustration although the overall tonality is slightly warmer in the original work. The work is executed on its original canvas and is not relined. There are very few hairline, superficial cracks located by the right edge at the center on the black paint, visible only under very close inspection. Under Ultra Violet light inspection there is no evidence of restoration. This work is in very good condition.
"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."

Fig. 1

Eleanor Post Close et Antal Post de Bekessy circa 1950 © D.R.

This work by Zao Wou-ki, 06.10.69, emblematic painting of the lyric period of the artist, comes from Eleanor Post Close (1909-2006) and his son Antal Post de Bekessy (1943-2015) collections. Marjorie Merriweather Post (1887-1973), their grandmother and mother was the head of General Food Company and a model of philanthropy, art of living and culture.

Eleanor Post Close chose to live in France shortly after World War II. Like her mother, she was an art lover and driven by the same taste of sharing her passion for art. She contributed to enrich several French and American museums and built an impressive collection that she displayed in her different dwellings. She punctuated her classic collection with impressionist and modern masterpieces: from Courbet to Zao Wou-Ki through Vuillard.

Antal Post de Bekessy, Eleanor's son was a great enthusiast of the arts too, eclectic in his taste and passions. He was interested in XIXth century romanticism as well as XXth century modernism, particularly drawings by artists of the Vienna Secession.

Eleanor and Antal's collections show their passion for beauty, their impressive culture and their sharp taste. This amazing assembly of furniture and artworks will be for sale in Sotheby's Paris on December 19 and 20, 2017.