Zhang Xiaogang

Colours: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate although the overall tonality is much warmer in the original work. The horizontal band of shadow running across the figure's forehead in the catalogue illustration is not found in the original work. Condition: This work is in very good condition. There is a tiny indentation above the left eye of the figure, with two minute craquelure adjacent to it. Upon extremely close inspection, there are some minute fly spots scattered in places throughout the composition. No restoration is apparent when examined under ultra-violet light.
"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."

"My paintings strive to capture a person's process of growing up and the experiences they go through, as well as how they are influenced by the time period in which they lived.... I take away most of the colour in my paintings, because I want my paintings to be a memory of a person or of a scene, and not what we see with the naked eye with all this colour. It's a memory or a realization of something."
(Zhang Xiaogang in conversation with Anjali Rao, 'Interview with Zhang Xiaogang on Talk Asia', on CNN International, 20 July 2007)