- 100
Louis le Brocquy, H.R.H.A.
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
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Description
- Louis le Brocquy, H.R.H.A.
- Family Group
- oil on canvas
- 35.5 by 45.5cm., 14 by 18in.
Provenance
Acquired by the father of the present owner circa 1960
Condition
Original canvas. One or two minor surface abrasions along the lower edge otherwise the work appears in good original condition.
Ultraviolet light reveals no signs of retouching.
Held under glass in original wooden box frame with a canvas inset.
"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 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
Executed circa 1950, Family Group relates to the preceding lot and le Brocquy's preoccupation with individual isolation, even in the closest of human relationships. It links strongly with le Brocquy's seminal painting, A Family (1951, National Gallery of Ireland), which caused controversy when it was first exhibited at the Victor Waddington Gallery in Dublin. However, it was later shown at the Venice Biennale of 1956, where it won the international Prealpina Prize and is since regarded as a key work in the develoment of le Brocquy's career. The composition owes much to Cubism in its shallow treatment of space, limited palette and the simplified forms. The idea was conceived in 1950 in the face of the atomic threat and social upheaval following World War II. Le Brocquy said, 'it was painted while contemplating a human condition stripped back to paleolithic circumstance under the electric light bulbs.'