Joaquín Torres-García (1874-1949)

Estate of the artist
Acquired from above by the previous owner
Sale: Christie's, New York, Latin American Art, November 17, 2010, lot 28, illustrated in color
Private Collection, Barcelona

Valencia, IVAM Centro Julio González, September-November 1991; Madrid, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, June-August 1991, Torres-García, no. 34, p. 74, illustrated
Montevideo, Museo Torres-García, Universalismo Constructivo: Joaquín Torres-García, óleos, maderas y dibujos, July 28-December 15, 2004, p. 47, illustrated 
Girona, Fundació Caixa Girona, November 15, 2007-January 3, 2008; Mataró, Can Palauet i Museu de Mataró, January 19-February 17, 2008; Murcia, Fundación Caja Murcia, Centro Cultural Las Claras, February 27-March 30 2008, Torres-García: Darrere la máscara constructiva, no. 8, pp. 11 and 94-5, illustrated 
Houston, The Menil Collection, September 25, 2009-January 3, 2010; San Diego, San Diego  Museum of Art, February 20-May 30, 2010, Joaquín Torres-García. Constructing Abstraction with Wood, no. 23, p.61, illustrated

The surface and paint layer appears stable overall. An approximate one-inch knick/loss to the bottom edge is present in the bottom edge. A split in the wood panel, approximately six-inches in length, runs vertically through the lower center of the panel. This split may however be inherent to the panel. Overall, this work is in very good condition.
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.

Joaquín Torres-García is recognized as one of the founders of the constructivist movement in both Europe and South America. This rare early wooden construction, Mantlepiece with Figure from 1928, demonstrates Torres' complex exploration of abstract forms and his experimentation with found materials both in his paintings and sculpture. A year after creating Mantlepiece, Torres became a founding member of the Parisian constructivist group Cercle et Carré in 1929, together with other members including Mondrian, Vantongerloo, Russolo and Seuphor.