Karel Appel

Martha Jackson Gallery, New York
Acquired directly from the above by the previous owner

New York, Martha Jackson Gallery, Karel Appel: Paintings of the Sixties, 1976
Buffalo, Anderson Gallery, Expressions from the Collection, 1992
Buffalo, Anderson Gallery, Karel Appel: An Historical Overview, 1995

Colours: The colours are fairly accurate in the catalogue illustration. Condition: The work is in very good condition. There are a few light hairline tension cracks around the extreme overturn edges. There is slight canvas draw to each of the four corners. Small rub marks are visible on close inspection to the lower part of the right extreme edge, to the lower centre of the left extreme edge and to the upper left corner. The central part of the upper extreme edge is very slightly worn and there is slight pigment lift to the black impasto below the centre of the upper edge. There are further very small isolated cracks to the impasto on the right of the figure's head and in places to the lower part of the composition. A few associated tiny paint losses are visible upon close inspection to the figure's left leg. Under ultraviolet light there are two small retouchings to the centre of the lower edge and a fine intermittent line of retouching to the left extreme edge. There are further very minor retouchings to the upper right and left corners and a small retouching towards the left corner of the upper edge.
"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."

Rendered with an eruptive explosion of colourful brushstrokes, Karel Appel's Phyllis pays homage to the most groundbreaking series of his fellow countryman, Willem de Kooning. Blurring conventional distinctions between foreground and background, abstraction and figuration, Appel's bold palette of primary colours treats the female form - traditionally regarded as the most revered of subjects in Western art - with an urgency and emotion that evokes both the force of de Kooning's Abstract Expressionism and Appel's unique capacity to capture the very essence of his subjects.