Antoni Tàpies

Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner

Anna Augusti, Tàpies, The Complete Works, Vol. VII, 1991-1997, Barcelona 2003, p. 80, no. 6245, illustrated

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although the overall tonality is slightly richer with the grey tending more towards soft clay grey and the red more to brick red in the original. The catalogue illustration fails to fully convey the texture of the fabric collage in the upper left quadrant. Condition: This work is in very good condition. There are a number of fine drying cracks to the clay which is characteristic of the medium and inherent to the artist's choice of material. Close examination reveals a few minute drying cracks to the lower left extreme corner tip, a small media accretion 7 cm approx inside from the top of the left extreme edge, another fine linear media accretion to the top right corner and a tiny rub mark left of centre on the lower edge. There is some very slight canvas undulation around the heavy piece of clay to the upper centre of the composition and a very slight diagonal indentation which extends down from the upper centre of the right extreme edge. Some superficial dust and dirt has collected in the recesses of the clay collage and to the canvas surface in a few places elsewhere. 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."