Josef Albers

Howard W. Thomas Collection
North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh, gift of Anne Wall Thomas from the collection of Howard W. Thomas, 1981
Sotheby's New York, July 14, 1994, lot 459
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Two Hundred Years of the Visual Arts in North Carolina, North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh, September 12-October 24, 1976

Two Hundred Years of the Visual Arts in North Carolina, exh. cat., North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh, 1976, p. 137 (for the present lot illustrated)

Overall in good condition. When viewed in person, the wood and leather present with a richer and warmer color than in the catalogue illustration. This chair is very slightly lighter in color than lot 40. The wood surfaces present with minor surface scratches, abrasions, light surface soiling and a few discolorations consistent with age and gentle use. The crossbar at the back of the chair with a minor old indentation along the upper edge on the right, only visible upon close inspection. The lower portion of the legs with evidence of water stains, not visually distracting. Some of the construction seams with minor separation, as seen in the catalogue illustration, consistent with age and which does not affect the solidity of the chair. The leather appears to be original and presents with some surface scratches, discolorations, minor crazing, surface dirt and a few minor abrasions consistent with age and gentle use. The lowest portion of the seat with a water stain to the leather at the center, measuring approximately 7 x 3 inches, where the leather is slightly lighter and redder in color, with an adjacent small dark stain. The chair has retained its original brass tacks. A rare and elegant design by Josef Albers, previously in the collection of the North Carolina Museum of Art, en suite with lot 40.
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.

Sotheby's would like to thank the Albers Foundation for their assistance with the cataloguing of this lot.