Max Ernst

Estimate

12,000 - 15,000 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

Max Ernst
MICROBE
signed M E (lower right) and signed Max Ernst and dated 17 of August 1958 on the artist's mount; inscribed Happy Birthday, dear Norman and signed Max and Dorothea on the reverse
oil and varnish on paper
sheet size: 6.6 by 8cm., 2 5/8 by 3 1/8 in.
image size: 8.8 by 10.1cm, 3 1/2 by 4in.

Provenance

Galerie Marion Meyer, Paris
Acquired from the above by the present owner in 1998

Exhibited

Paris, Galerie Marion Meyer, Art Frankfurt 98, 1998

Condition

Executed on cream wove paper, not laid down, attached to the artist's mount along the top edge and at the lower right edge, floating in the mount. This work is in very good condition. Colours: The reds and yellows are stronger in the original.
"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."

Catalogue Note

During a brief stay in the Nevada desert in 1946, Max Ernst started to paint minuscule decalcomanias known as Microbes. By assembling two sheets of paper, one of which would have patches of paint, the artist would then separate them and cut out interesting fragments from one of the sheets and highlight interesting patterns with his brush.
These Microbes, which despite their miniature scale perfectly conveyed the formations of the Arizona canyons, were first intended to illustrate poems, which later were compiled in Sept microbes vus à travers un temperament, published in 1953 in Paris.
Later on, Max Ernst would offer Microbes as gifts to his friends and family, as is the case for the present work.

Rit
De son rire blanc et nuageux
Rit
Sans rivale ni raison

C'est alors que son terrible chant d'amour
Eclate entre deux lits de glace

Extract of Sept microbes vus à travers un tempérament, Cercle des Arts, Paris, 1953