Ismaël de la Serna, 1898-1968

Acquired directly from the artist by present owner in 1963

The board is stable. Apart from a tiny drop of brown media in the lower right quadrant towards the centre of the bottom edge, this work is in good condition. Ultra violet light reveals no signs of retouching.
"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."

Discovered by the writer, critic, and art collector known as Tériade and Christian Zervos in 1925, Ismael de la Serna was a prominent, critically acclaimed inter-war artist operating in a post-cubist style. According to Tériade, Picasso, upon seeing de la Serna's work, exclaimed: "At last, a true painter! As grand as Juan Gris!"

 

The balance of colour, texture and form finds equilibrium in these works, reducing complex views and objects with graceful simplicity. The careful choice of descriptive details, like the grain of wood in lot 280 and the spines of the cactus in lot 332, locate and familiarize the subject, whilst decrypting the world around it into abbreviated flattened shapes. The rich colour and strong lines of lots 280 and 332 exemplify the rich blend of exuberance and sober expression that characterises de la Serna's work.