Antoni Tàpies

Galerie Stadler, Paris
Galerie Grange, Lyon
Mme. Rossier, Lyon
Sale: Sotheby's, London, Contemporary Art Part II, 27 June 1996, Lot 135
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner

 

Michel Tapié, Antonio Tàpies, Barcelona 1959, pl. 1, illustrated
Alexandre Cirici, Tàpies, Testimoni del Silenci, Barcelona 1970, p. 182, pl. 144,  illustrated
Antonio Tàpies, Memòria Personal, Fragment per a una Autobiografia, Barcelona 1977, p. 347, illustrated
Anna Agusti, Tàpies, The Complete Works, Vol. I, 1943-1960, Barcelona 1988, p. 285, no. 575, illustrated

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, with the brown-grey of the background tending more towards to slate grey, and the brown-orange of the texture in the lower right more to ochre in the original. The catalogue illustration does not fully convey the variation in surface texture and the three-dimensionality apparent in the original. Condition: This work is in very good condition. There is a small surface loss to the sand texture on the upper left part of the lower right corner (visible in the catalogue illustration). There are artist's pinholes to each of the four corners. All four corner tips are rubbed with associated spots of paint loss. A number of fine hairline tension cracks are visible upon close inspection to each extreme edge. There is a small spot of media loss to the outermost peak of the textured element in the lower right quadrant (visible in the catalogue illustration), as well as a few further tiny losses to the paint covering the plaster. Upon close inspection, the left hand tip of the plaster texture is lifting from the canvas. There is some wear to the centre right of the lower extreme edge which has resulted in some tiny spots of paint loss, and in a few places to the right extreme edge, as well as a few tiny specks of wear in the upper left corner. There is a minute media accretion to the upper centre of the composition. 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."