Man Ray

Roland Penrose, Royaume Uni (don de l'artiste)
Joyce Reeves (don du précédent)
Don du précédent à l'actuel propriétaire vers 1983-84.

Jean-Hubert Martin, Brigitte Hermann, Rosalind Krauss, Man Ray, Objets de mon affection, Paris, 1983, no. 12 (la version originale mentionnée)

Executed on buff-coloured cardboard. the top corner from where the object is suspended has been re-inforced. There are minor tears along the edges, especially located in the upper part of the work, visible in the catalogue illustration. There are light water stains throughout. There is a slight discolouration to the sheet. This work is in fragile condition.
"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."

signed 'Man Ray', dated '1919-1957' and titled '"Abat Jour" no 2.', cut-out paper. Conceived in 1919, this work is a unique variant executed in 1957.

Man Ray réalisa la première version de L'Abat Jour en 1919. Comme ses propos en témoignent : "Je dormis jusqu'à midi, puis me décidai à sortir. Dans le vestibule, il y avait quelques détritus, notamment une lampe cassée dont je retirai délicatement le papier pour le ramener dans ma chambre et l'accrocher. Le papier formait une spirale plaisante. Ce serai l'une des oeuvres qui figurerait dans le nouveau musée -  ma contribution en tant que sculpteur" (Man Ray, Self Portrait, Boston & Londres, 1988, p. 79).

 

Man Ray created the first version of Abat Jour in 1919, as he recalled: "I slept until noon, then went out. There was some rubbish in the vestibule with a broken lampshade on top I carefully removed the paper, took it back to the room and hung it up at one end. It formed a pleasing spiral. This would be one of my exhibits in the new museum - my contribution as a sculptor." (Man Ray, Self Portrait, Boston & London, 1988, p. 79).