Cecil King

Lavitts Quay Gallery, Cork, whence purchased by the present owner, circa 1984

Original canvas. There is some minor surface dirt otherwise in good overall condition. Under ultraviolet light, there appear to be no signs of retouching. Held in a painted black box wood frame.
"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."

King became interested hard-edge abstraction in the early 1960s and a 1967 meeting with Barnett Newman, the principal proponent of reductionist colour-field painting in the United States, was particularly inspirational. King's subsequent exploration of the effect of pure colour and form is clearly evident in the sharp geometry of the present work. 

A founder member of the Contemporary Irish Arts Society and the ROSC committee, King played a crucial role in the development and encouragement of contemporary art and artists in Ireland during the 60s and 70s. He was the subject of a major restrospective at the Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane in 1981 and his work is represented in all major Irish public collections as well as those of The Museum of Modern Art, New York and The Tate Gallery, London.