David Davidovich Burliuk

David and Mary Burliuk, Color and Rhyme, Hampton Bays, New York, 1966, no. 61, p. 22, illustrated

This canvas has never been removed from its original stretcher. The paint layer may never have been cleaned and it is in very healthy condition. There is a small paint loss in the upper left quadrant, another chip in the red circle beneath the head of the witch doctor, and a couple of losses along the top edge on the right side. The painting may be dirty yet care should be taken if ant cleaning is to be attempted. The canvas is slightly relaxed here and there, which could be tightened. Overall the picture is in lovely condition. The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

Internationally proclaimed the "Father of Russian Futurism," Burliuk was highly influenced by the work of Umberto Boccioni and the Italian Futurists. He sought to convey a sense of rhythm and continuous motion through the use of space, color and dimension. Witch Doctor explores the fundamentals of the Futurist manifesto; vibrant stripes of color swirl around the fiery portrait, creating a primal, almost savage effect.