Yves Klein

Alexander Iolas, New York
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner in the early 1980s

Colours: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate although the overall tonality is brighter and more vibrant in the original. Condition: This work is in very good condition. There are some very small and unobtrusive rub marks scattered in places, most visibly to the protruding elements of the sculpture and some irregularity to the pigment, all of which are inherent to the artist's working process.
"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."

Please note that this work has been requested for the Yves Klein Retrospective which will take place at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, DC (20 May - 12 September, 2010) and at the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis (23 October, 2010 - 13 Feburary, 2011).

"It is the sponge's extraordinary capacity to impregnate itself with anything fluid that attracted me. Thanks to the wild living material of sponges, I was going to be able to do the portraits of the beholders of my monochromes, who, after having seen them, after having travelled through the blue of my paintings, come back totally impregnated in sensibility, like sponges." (Yves Klein cited on www.yveskleinarchives.org)