- 415
Paul Delvaux
Estimate
250,000 - 350,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Paul Delvaux
- Chrysis
- Signed P. Delvaux and dated 24-2-67 (lower right)
- Watercolor, pen and ink and ink wash on paper
- 25 5/8 by 19 5/8 in.
- 65 by 50.5 cm
Provenance
Mira Jacob (acquired directly from the artist and sold: Sotheby's, Paris, September 23, 2004, lot 81)
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner
Condition
In very good condition. Executed on two joined sheets of cream wove paper (the join is about an inch and a half from the bottom edge). There are some remnants of glue on the recto, and on the verso, it is apparent that the join was made with a third strip of paper, glued to both sheets. The join is original. The left side of the figure's face shows some skinning of the sheet, which appears to be part of the artist's process. The sheet is undulating and there are a few minor studio stains original to the work, including a light brown watercolor stain about 1 cm in diameter to the right of the figure in the foreground under the stairs. The colors are bright and fresh. Verso: two small pieces of tape affixed to the join on the lower left. A A few small studio stains and a small dirt stain near upper center.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Chryseis, daughter of Chryses, priest of Apollo, was captured during the Trojan War and given as a slave to Agamemnon. As Barbara Emerson notes, "Delvaux had a life-long devotion to Homer, refuelled by his travelling experiences... he portrayed Chryseis standing deferentially, her flesh glowing (Chryseis means 'the Golden One') in front of her prison, a humble Belgian house" (Barbara Emerson, Delvaux, Paris, 1985, pp. 192-93).