Jean-Michel Basquiat

Galerie Lucien Durand, Paris
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner

Colours: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although the overall tonality is brighter and more vibrant, with the red tending more towards crimson in the original. Condition: This work is in very good condition. Executed on white wove paper, the upper and lower edges are deckled and the sheet is securely hinged in several places to the backing board. The sheet undulates very slightly throughout and there are faint shallow creases scattered in places along the right hand edge. There are two further shallow creases to the bottom right of the composition and also beneath the middle red bird. There are two small raised bumps beneath the top right corner; one beneath the top left corner; one to the immediate left of the figure and one towards the lower left corner. There are scattered faint handling marks and smudges in places along the upper, lower and right edges, which would appear to be original to the work's execution. There are two faint smudges to the lower centre of the composition, one to the figures right knee and the other at the prow of the ship, which also would appear to be original to the work's execution. There is a minute spot of foxing between the red chair and the arrow in the lower left quadrant. There are two further small spots of discolouration by the signature, which are visible in the catalogue illustration. There are a few fine lines of discolouration to the centre of the lower 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."