Franz Kline

Josephine W. Little (acquired directly from the artist in 1957)

New York, Allan Stone Gallery, Franz Kline Architecture & Atmosphere, October 1997 - January 1998, cat. no. 54, illustrated in color (incorrectly dated 1959)

This work is in very good condition overall. The collage elements appear well secured with a few lifting corners that appear original to the time of execution. There are some scattered hairline cracks in the thickest areas of black pigment, primarily in the upper left quadrant along the bottom and edge of the "L" shaped stroke and at its far left tip. There are also signs of old paint loss in this area, located 5 ¼ - 6 ¼ in. from the left and 4 ¼ - 4 ¾ in. from the left, and 5 ¾ - 6 ¼ in. from the left and 5 ¼ - 5 ½ in. from the top. Other minute areas of cracking are small nodules of black paint, located 12 ¼ - 12 ½ in. from the bottom and 2 ½ - 2 ¾ in. from the right and 4 ½ -5 ¼ from the left and 2 5/8 – 3 in. from the bottom. Under Ultraviolet light, there are no apparent restorations. The commercial paperboard is floating in the frame with a cardboard backing, and is framed in a dark wood frame with a linen liner and float, behind Plexiglas.
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.