- 195
Alexandra Exter
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Alexandra Exter
- Still life with pears
- signed in Latin l.r.
- gouache on paper
- 39.5 by 49.5cm, 15 1/2 by 19 1/2 in.
Provenance
A gift from the artist to the grandparents of the present owner in the 1930's
Condition
The sheet appears sound. There are creases to the upper quadrants of the work, the longest crease above the large pears approximately 5cm long with associated flecks of paint loss. There is paint shrinkage to the white pigment to the upper middle and to the stem of the apple int he lower right corner. Held in a modern gold painted frame under Plexiglas. 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 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
Russian émigrés Boris and Nadine Krajevic met Alexandra Exter in Paris in the 1930s and became close friends. The artist often offered the family gifts, among them the present work, as well as a porcelain set decorated in her own hand and given as a wedding present in 1935. The couple’s son also benefited from Exter’s generosity, receiving several albums from the Père Castor children’s series, illustrated by the artist and dedicated to him in 1947.
Still-life with Pears is inspired by Cézanne, yet it vibrates with Exter’s unique interpretation of cubism. The tonal palette is brightened with luminous splashes and jeweled tones. It recalls the famous incident of the late 1900s, when Exter first arrived in Paris and promptly stormed out of the lessons at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière after being admonished for her exuberant colours.