Louis le Brocquy, H.R.H.A.

Gimpel Fils, London

Original canvas. There is a line of craquelure to the area of thick white impasto upper right. Otherwise the work is in apparently good overall condition with areas of strong impasto. Ultraviolet light reveals pigments which fluoresce that are apparently the hand of the artist. Held under glass in a gilt wood box frame with a painted linen inset; unexamined out of frame. Please telephone the department on 0207 295 5575 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
"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."

Le Brocquy's still-life paintings originated in the early 1940s; often overshadowed by the distinctive stages that define his career, they remain an equally forceful series. The unique manner in which le Brocquy portrays the reality of his figurative work is as evident in his still-lifes (see lots 60, 66, 67), with subtle colouring and deft brushwork the fruits emerge organically from the canvas. Dorothy Walker's description of his peony still-lifes is equally apt with the still-lifes presented here: 'The medium is rich, palpable, almost luscious, recreating in terms of paint the reality of a peony, and indicating its floral identity by the merest deft reference'.