Jesus Rafael Soto

Gilbert Brownstone, Paris
Private Collection, London

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although the coloured squares are slightly brighter and more vibrant, with the blue tending more towards grey electric blue, and the grey more to iridescent metallic silver in the original. The catalogue illustration fails to fully convey the three-dimensionality of the work. Condition: This work is in very good condition. There are some very small specks of media accretion to several of the smaller white squares, in particular to the upper left and right quadrants respectively. There are a number of very fine rub marks to three of the white squares above the central silver element, as well as one to the large bottom white square, one to the large left white square and another three very fine rub marks to the central silver square. Upon close inspection, several pinprick-sized specks of white media accretion can be noticed to the blue, red and right green squares. There is a minute indentation to the black paint of one of the squares in the upper part of the lower left quadrant (visible in the catalogue illustration). Some dust fibres have adhered to the work's surface, in particular to the upper part of the stems supporting the square elements. There is some light wear to the four corner tips, resulting in a few spots of paint loss particularly to the bottom left corner. Upon close inspection, some intermittent tension cracks are visible to the inner white frame, due to the weight of the attached central element. Some light dirt and a few isolated fine rub marks are visible to the overturn edges of the white frame. Lastly, a number of squares present minor surface irregularities which have been painted over by the artist and are inherent to the medium and original to the work's execution.
"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."