Lucio Fontana

Estimate

375,000 - 450,000 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

Lucio Fontana
Concetto Spaziale, Attesa
signed and titled on the reverse
waterpaint on canvas
61.5 by 46.3cm.; 24 1/2 by 18 1/4 in.
Executed in 1962-1963.

Provenance

Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner in 1963

Exhibited

Zürich, de Pury & Luxembourg, Lucio Fontana, 2002, no. 3, illustrated

Literature

Enrico Crispolti, Lucio Fontana, Catalogo Ragionato di Sculture, Dipinti, Ambientazioni, Vol. II, Milan 2006, p. 639, no. 62-63 T 10, illustrated

Condition

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate. Condition: This work is in very good condition. There is some minor burnishing to all four corners and intermittently along all four extreme edges and a small, extremely light rub mark at the centre of the lower edge, apparent only on close inspection. No restoration is apparent when examined under ultraviolet light.
"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."

Catalogue Note

"We see the artist standing in front of a virgin canvas, at some distance from the easel. He holds himself very straight, gripped by a physical and mental concentration rather like that of a tango dancer...In the sequence that follows we see him approach the canvas, select the point where he will make the cut, make the first incision with his Stanley knife and then continue the downward motion of the arm which finally brings the cut to its conclusion."

Sarah Whitfield in: Exhibition Catalogue, London, The Hayward Gallery, Lucio Fontana, 1999-2000, p.31