Josef Albers

Estimate

400,000 - 600,000 USD

bidding is closed

Description

Josef Albers
Homage to the Square
signed with the artist's monogram and dated 66
oil on masonite
40 by 40 in. 101.6 by 101.6 cm.
This work will be included in the forthcoming Catalogue Raisonné of the artist's works being prepared by the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation and registered with number 1976.1.835.

Provenance

Estate of the Artist
Sidney Janis Gallery, New York
Galerie Denise René, Paris
Elisabeth Franck Gallery, Knokke
Galerie Handrien-Thomas, Paris
Galerie Elke Dröscher, Hamburg
Dany Keller Galerie, Munich
Private Collection, Germany
Phillips de Pury & Luxembourg, November 13, 2003, lot 31
Christie's, New York, May 14, 2008, lot 135
Acquired by the present owner from the above sale

Condition

This work is in good condition overall. Under ultraviolet light inspection, the work appears to be evenly varnished. There are two lines of inpainting, approximately measuring 1/2 inch in length located in the center of the left and right edges. The two dark central squares present scattered fine lines of retouching, most noticeably is an intermittent 12 inch diagonal line near the left side of the outer dark scquare. Framed.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

"I have not built any theory. I have only tried to build up sensitive eyes, as my book says. And I have tried to achieve that by aiming at very distinct color relationships again - like how do they influence each other? Change each other in light and in intensity, in transparency, opacity? How do they change each other in all different directions?... And in the end, the study of color again is a study of ourselves. And to anyone today who tries to predict to me what two colors will do, I will say, "Please stop. I do not trust you. Because anyone who predicts the effect of colors proves that he has no experience with color." Color is fooling us, cheating us, deceiving us - you can call it if you want - all the time." - Josef Albers, 1968