René Magritte

Libreria Einaudi, Milan
A. Saraceno, Milan

Executed on blue wove paper, not laid down. There are three 5cm flattened creases running diagonally in the upper left corner and two 2cm ones running in the lower right corner. Apart from some time-staining, this work is in overall good original 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 'Magritte' (lower right), ball-point pen. Executed circa 1964-67.

Selon Patrick Waldberg, ce dessin fait partie d'une série de "19 dessins de René Magritte [...] qui m'ont été envoyés par celui-ci au cours de notre correspondance, entre 1964 et 1967. Chacun d'entre eux était destiné à illustrer tel passage des lettres. Ils constituent un échantillonnage des idées que Magritte avait le projet de transcrire dans ses tableaux, parfois, en rappel de certaines idées déjà réalisées. Cet ensemble constitue un document essentiel pour la connaissance de l'œuvre de Magritte" (extrait du certificat du comité Magritte, 1970).

In the words of Patrick Waldberg, this drawing belongs to a series of "19 drawings by René Magritte [...] that were sent to me by the artist during the course of our correspondence, between 1964 and 1967.  Each one of them was intended to illustrate a certain passage in his letters.  They represent a sample of the ideas Magritte planned to transcribe into his painting, sometimes recalling certain projects that had already been realised.  This ensemble constitutes an essential document for understanding Magritte's oeuvre" (extract from certificate issued by the Comité Magritte, 1970)