Francesco Clemente

Galerie Thaddeus Ropac, Salzburg
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner in 1995

Salzburg, Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac, The Muse? Transforming the Image of Woman in Contemporary Art, 1995, p. 43-46, nos. 7-10, illustrated (drawings i-iv illustrated)

Luca Bambini & Rene Ricard, Francesco Clemente - A Portrait, New York 1999, n.p., illustration of Untitled (iv) - for Chantal Thomas with the artist

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although the overall tonality is richer in the original, with the paper tone tending more towards cream. Condition: This work is in very good condition. It is hinged to the upper corners of the composition and is executed on decked paper. (i) There are some light and shallow creases in places to the outer edges, most visible along the upper left corner, and a further crease adjacent to the figure’s left shoulder. (ii) Upon very close inspection there are some faint creases to the upper corners and a further to the figure’s left shoulder. (iii)Upon very close inspection there are some very small indentations along the upper corners of the composition and a light 4cm crease to the centre right of the top edge. (iv)There are some shallow indentations along the top and bottom edges of the paper most visible towards the upper corners and some very light and linear creases to the top third of the composition: one below the top edge and two further light creases 10cm below this. (v) There are some light indentations to the upper corners, and a further few scattered to the top half of the composition. (vi)There are some light indentations along the four extreme edges of the paper and two faint and unobtrusive creases to the centre right of the top edge.
"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."

"Painting and drawing are the continuation of the body. The line of drawing is the continuation of the surface which separates the interior of the body from the exterior [...] The lines of drawing must always be filled with air. They must always indicate other lines which are not there; which are not spoken.."
(The artist cited in: Danilo Eccher, Clemente, Bologna, 1999, pp. 146-147)