Oscar Rabin

Irving Green, Chicago, 1962 (possibly acquired directly from the artist)
Thence by descent
Private Collection, Illinois (acquired directly from the above)

This painting is in perfect condition. The canvas has never been removed from its stretcher. The heavy and in places very thick paint layer is in beautiful and stable condition. There do not appear to have been any paint losses or restorations and although the painting has probably never been cleaned, no restoration is recommended. The painting should be hung as is. The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

The Moon and Five Cats was previously in the collection of Irving Green, music industry pioneer and founder of the Chicago-based Mercury Records, one of the most successful record labels of all time. Under Green's stewardship, Mercury Records was among the first to employ jukeboxes and three-track tapes to market musical artists. Green purchased the present lot during a trip to Russia in 1962.

The present lot will be included in A&C Projects' forthcoming catalogue raisonné by Marc and Michèle Ivasilevitch.