Miquel Barceló

Galerie Bruno Bischofberger, Zürich
Fernando Alcolea Galería d'Art, Barcelona
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner

Barcelona, Fernando Alcolea Galería d'Art, III: Miquel Barceló, Ferran Garcia Sevilla, José M. Sicilia, 1988, no. 11, illustrated

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although the overall tonality is slightly softer with the prominent hues of green tending more to a lighter soft grey-green and more subtle contrasts between the elements in the original. The catalogue illustration does not fully capture the rich surface texture apparent in the original. Condition: This work is in very good condition. There is some very slight undulation to the vertical edges. Close examination reveals a few fine cracks: five fine vertical feather cracks to the centre of the upper edge, a number of fine hairline stable tension cracks to each of the extreme overturn edges and a futher stable hairline crack towards the top of the left edge. There are a few spots of light wear around the extreme edges and extreme corner tips, with some associated small media losses to the top right corner, to the far left of the upper extreme edge, to the top of the left extreme edge and in a few further isolated spots elsewhere. There are a few rub marks at intervals to the top left corner, centre and right side on the upper extreme edge and another intermittent horizontal rub mark to the right side of the lower edge. A few superficial surface dust fibres are adhering to the recesses in places throughout. No restoration is apparent under ultraviolet light.
"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."

"What I like in my paintings is the double meaning, this feeling of ambiguity.  Often I enjoy looking at my paintings up close.  I like their skin, the contact with the very surface.  I cultivate, in fact, this uneven surface precisely in order to force the eye to dwell on this very phenomenon." The artist in: Exhibition Catalogue, Boston, Institute of Contemporary Art, Miquel Barcelo: Paintings from 1983 to 1985, 1986, p. 21