Lot 118
  • 118

JOSEF ALBERS | Study to Homage to the Square: Three Reds and Ochre

Estimate
300,000 - 400,000 USD
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Description

  • Josef Albers
  • Study to Homage to the Square: Three Reds and Ochre
  • variously inscribed; signed, titled and dated 1956 on the reverse
  • casein on Masonite
  • 18 by 18 in. 45.7 by 45.7 cm.

Provenance

Galerie Denise René, Paris
Collection of Hannelore and Rudolph Schulhof, New York (acquired from the above in 1970)
Christie's, New York, 15 November 2012, Lot 185
Acquired from the above sale by the present owner

Exhibited

Paris, Galerie Denise René, Albers, October - November 1957, cat. no. 12
Kunstverein Freiburg im Breisgau, Josef Albers, zum 70. Geburstag, March - April 1958, cat. no. 77
Berlin, Amerika Haus, Akademie der Künste, Josef Albers, May 1958, cat. no. 41
Westfälisches Landesmuseum für Kunst und Kulturgeschichte Münster, Josef Albers: Zur Verleihung des Conrad von Soest Preises, January - February 1959
Locarno, Galleria La Palma, Josef Albers, July - August 1959, cat. no. 15
Zurich, Galerie Suzanne Bollag, Josef Albers, January 1960, cat. no. 46

Condition

This work is in very good condition overall. There is evidence of wear and handling along the extreme edges, including a few minor, scattered pinpoint losses and some rub marks, all of which are obscured by the frame. Under very close inspection, a light abrasion is visible in the center of the lower ochre band with corresponding losses is visible, two pinpoint black accretions are visible in the lower right, and a minor ½-inch vertical loss to the pigment is visible in the upper left corner of the ochre. The colors are bright and fresh. Under Ultraviolet light inspection, there is no evidence of restoration. Framed.
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.

Catalogue Note

“Once one has had the experience of the interaction of color, one finds it necessary to re-integrate one’s whole idea of color and seeing in order to preserve the sense of unity...When you really understand that each color is changed by a changed environment, you eventually find that you have learned about life as well as about color.”
Josef Albers

This work will be included in the Catalogue Raisonné of Paintings by Josef Albers currently being prepared by the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation, and is registered under 1956.1.32.