Milton Avery

Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner

Generally in good condition, with sufrace dirt and soiling. Under ultraviolet light: no apparent signs of inpainting.
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.

Both Mother and Child and Avery's Self Portrait were acquired directly from the artist by Benzion Weinman, a noted New York City-based writer, painter, and sculptor, better known as Ben-Zion.  As a painter, Ben-Zion was a member of the Abstract Expressionist group "The Ten", which included Adolph Gottlieb and Marcus Rothkowitz, who also changed his name, to Mark Rothko.  Today works by Ben-Zion can be found in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.