- 102
Alexander Calder
Estimate
150,000 - 200,000 USD
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Description
- Alexander Calder
- The Unknown Political Prisoner
painted metal
- 16 3/4 by 16 1/2 by 16 in. 42.5 by 41.9 by 40.6 cm.
- Executed in 1952, this work is registered in the archives of the Calder Foundation, New York, under application number A00886.
Provenance
Henri Seyrig, Lausanne (acquired directly from the artist)
By descent to the present owner from the above
Exhibited
New York, Museum of Modern Art, The Unknown Political Prisoner, January - February 1953, cat. no. 2, p. 2, illustrated
London, Tate Britain, The Unknown Political Prisoner, March - April 1953, cat. no. 26, p. 14, illustrated
London, Tate Britain, The Unknown Political Prisoner, March - April 1953, cat. no. 26, p. 14, illustrated
Literature
Exh. Cat., Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Fondation Maeght, Calder, April - May 1969, ref. no. 113, n.p.
Condition
This work is in good and sound condition overall. The surface exhibits evidence of scattered oxidation, as visible in the catalogue illustration. There are some light surface abrasions, particularly at the base of the sculpture.
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.
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
The present work was Alexander Calder's submission for the competition for The Unknown Political Prisoner, a worldwide sculpture competition organized by The Institute of Contemporary Arts in 1953. The competition sought to pay tribute to those individuals who offered their own liberty and lives for the cause of human freedom. The competition was undertaken on a truly international scale, with 3,500 artists applying from 57 countries. The prizes were ultimately awarded to Reg Butler, Barbara Hepworth, Antoine Pevsner and Naum Gabo.