Pavel Tchelitchew

Acquired by the present owner in France in the 1980s

The sheet appears to have been laid down on cardboard and is slightly undulated. Some of the sand has come loose, there are faint pinholes to some of the corners and there are light surface scratches and some surface dirt. Held in a brown painted wooden frame behind glass. Unexamined out of frame.
"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."

In 1928 Pavel Tchelitchew was living in Paris, enjoying the success of his first solo exhibition in London. He had begun experimentation with his now trademark sand, coffee and gouache medium, and was working on a series of works that focused on metamorphic forms, an extension of his “laconic” compositions of 1926-1927. The present lot echoes a series of portraits Tchelitchew worked on throughout 1927 and 1928, using texture and heavy lines to create intensified features that showcased his exceptional draughtsmanship.