Jean-Paul Riopelle

Sale: Christie's, London, Contemporary Art, 27 October 1994, Lot 72
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner

Yseult Riopelle, ed., Jean-Paul Riopelle, Catalogue Raisonné: 1939-1953, Montreal 1999, p. 390, no. 1953.058H.1953, illustrated in colour

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although the overall tonality is deeper and richer in the original. The white tends more towards a cream in the original. Condition: This work is in good condition. There is minor wear to the top two and bottom right corner tips and in places along all four edges. There are hairline tension cracks in places along all four edges with some small losses and patches of lifting in places. There are several patches of cracking along the thick impasto lines throughout the composition, some of which have raised edges. There are a few very small spots of paint loss scattered throughout. The painting has been stabilised, noticeable in places throughout to the thicker impasto areas when examined under ultra-violet 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."