Dame Elisabeth Frink, D.B.E., R.A.

Beaux Arts, London, whence acquired by the present owner

Washington D.C., The National Museum of Women in the Arts, Elisabeth Frink: Sculpture & Drawings 1950-1990, 1990, unnumbered catalogue (artist's cast);
London, Beaux Arts Gallery, Elisabeth Frink, May – June 2002, unnumbered catalogue.

 

Edward Lucie-Smith, Elisabeth Frink: Sculpture since 1984 and Drawings, Art Books International, London, 1994, no.SC48, illustrated frontispiece, pp.54 and 188 (another cast);
Edward Lucie-Smith and Elisabeth Frink, Frink: A Portrait, Bloomsbury, London, 1994, illustrated p.104;
Stephen Gardiner, Frink, HarperCollins, London, 1998, illustrated, unpaginated.

The following condition report has been compiled in consultation with Ken Cook, who was originally responsible for the patination of the present Riace sculptures. In keeping with Frink's intention that the surfaces of these bronzes should age and change with time, the colouring of the patination has changed in several areas. Where this has occurred, it is entirely due to natural weathering. The sculpture could, however, be repatinated. There are also marks of surface matter which are a result of the sculpture standing outside, which could be removed. The present sculpture is slightly lighter in colour than the other two Riace bronzes, and this is because the wax layer is slightly thinner. There are some slight spots of paint loss on the figure's face, which are visible in the catalogue illustration. The sculpture would benefit from re-waxing. Please telephone the department on 020 7293 5381 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
"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."

'I don't find the female form the slightest bit interesting to sculpt. I can appreciate its beauty, but it hasn't got the structure... And I don't do clothed figures. Cloth is very difficult to organise, and what kind of clothing are you going to use? Are you going to do today, or yesterday?' (The artist, quoted in Edward Lucie-Smith and Elisabeth Frink, Frink: A Portrait, Bloomsbury, London, 1994, p.105).

Conceived in 1989 and cast in an edition of four.