Serge Poliakoff

Gildas Fardel, Paris
Vente: Loudmer, Paris, Importants Tableaux Modernes - Collection de Monsieur Gildas Fardel, 24 mai 1992, lot 30
Collection particulière, Paris

Berne, Kunsthalle, Serge Poliakoff, 1960, no.32
Paris, Galerie Melki, Serge Poliakoff, 1991-92 ; catalogue, p.41, no.9, illustré en couleurs
Fécamp, Palais Bénédictine, En 50 Figures de l'Abstrait, 1993 ; illustré en couleurs sur la couverture du catalogue

Alexis Poliakoff, Serge Poliakoff, Catalogue raisonné, vol. I 1922-1954, Paris, 2004, p.359, no.50-59, illustré en couleurs

The work is on its original canvas and in good condition. There are a few small dots of retouching visible under UV light: in the lower part of the composition (to the dark yellow and blue). There is a tiny dot to the yellow part along the left edge. There is some retouching (3 x 1cm) towards the upper left corner and some other dots in the upper part of the composition (red and blue parts). Some very thin and stabilized craquelures are visible to the small impastos (in the white, red and bright yellow parts). Colours: The illustration in the catalogue is fairly accurate although the general tonality is brighter, especially the red colours which are more vibrant.
"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."

signed ; oil on canvas. Executed in 1950.

"Rien n'a d'allure d'un divertissement équilibriste. On est en face de tableaux lentement mûris, recherchés dans leur belle matière ; on découvre une oeuvre complexe où souvent revient le même thème, c'est à dire la même composition dont l'ordonnance s'impose d'une manière inéluctable à l'esprit de l'artiste ... Cette peinture est riche de sentiments et d'idées."
(Pierre Descargues, Serge Poliakoff, Arts, mars 1950 ; in Alexis Poliakoff, Serge Poliakoff, Catalogue raisonné, vol. I 1922-1954, Paris, 2004, p.86)

Serge Poliakoff dans son atelier, Paris 1950. © Willy Maywald