Man Ray

Acquis de l'artiste par le propriétaire actuel

Executed on cream wove paper, not laid down, floating in the mount. The sheet is glued to the mount along the upper edge. There are 2 artist's pinholes at the upper edges. Apart from a very minor tear towards the centre of the upper edge, this work is in very good 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 'MR' and dated '40' (lower left), ink and wash on paper. Executed in 1940.

 

 

Exécuté en 1940, année du départ de l'artiste pour Hollywood où il est contraint de s'exiler, ce dessin évoque le conflit qui bouleverse alors l' Europe entière. À l'instar d'une huile réalisée en 1940 et intitulée Disillusion, ce dessin est le symbole et le symptôme des événements tragiques qui le poussent à  fuir l'Europe. Dans une atmosphère de confusion et d'incertitude, trois nus enlacent une sphère, image de la planète en pleine tourmente.

 

Executed in 1940, probably prior to the artist's departure from Paris to settle in Hollywood as a refugee in his homeland, this drawing and a related oil of the same year entitled Disillusion, are reference to the turmoil and conflict of a war in Europe as events unfolded and Man Ray realised he had to flee. The composition portrays confusion and uncertainty with three nudes clutching a sphere representing the planet in its state of unrest.