Jean-Paul Riopelle

Galerie Jacques Dubourg, Paris
Galerie Denise Renée, Paris
Geert van der Veen Fine Arts, Toronto
Acquis auprès de celle-ci par le propriétaire actuel

Paris, Galerie Jacques Dubourg, Riopelle, Oeuvres récentes,1956; catalogue, no.27
Leverkusen, Städtisches Museum, Schloss Morsbroich, Internationale Sezession 1956; catalogue, p.24, no.83, illustré

Yseult Riopelle, Jean-Paul Riopelle, Catalogue raisonné, tome 2, 1954-1959, Montréal, 2004, p.225, no.1956.03.035H.1956, illustré

The colours are fairly accurate in the catalogue illustration, although the overall tonality is lighter in the original. This work is in very good condition. The canvas is not lined. Under UV light, there is no evidence of any restoration. There are some thin and stable craquelures to the impasto area, all due to the artist's 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."

signed and dated; signed, dated and titled on the back; oil on canvas. Executed in 1955-56.

"Il n'y a pas d'abstraction, ni de figuration : il n'y a que de l'expression, et s'exprimer, c'est se placer en face des choses. Abstraire, cela veut dire enlever, isoler, séparer, alors que je vise au contraire à ajouter approcher, lier"  (Jean-Paul Riopelle, Catalogue raisonné Tome II, 1954-1959, 2004, p. 26)