François Morellet

Acquired directly from the artist in 1982

Colours: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate. Condition: Sold as is.
"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."

The present lot represents a model for Project Arttaxi. In 1982 the Peter Stuyvesant Foundation commissioned four artists to each transform a Paris taxi into a 'mobile work of art'. Models were designed by François Morellet, Wim T. Schippers, Daniël Spoerri and Michelangelo Pistoletto. The taxis were presented to public and press on the square in front of the Centre Pompidou. After opperating for two years and transporting tens of thousands of passengers, the taxis were taken out of circulation to be exhibited as part of the Peter Stuyvesant Collection.

(From: Renilde Hammacher-van den Brande, Art works, International modern art in the industrial working environment, an experiment over more than thirty years, Amsterdam 1992, p. 17, 26.)