Gauguin, Paul

1 page (8 3/4 x 6 3/4 in; 220 x 175 mm), Tahiti, July [1901], fine condition, paper very slightly browned, framed under ultraviolet filtering UF-5 Plexiglas.

Hamilton, Jan 29, 1976, lot 144.

A complete translation is available on www.sothebys.com.

see cataloguing
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.

On the 22nd of May 1901, Charles Morice, Gauguin's very close friend and publisher of Noa Noa, wrote to the painter of his desire to buy his large painting D'où Venons Nous ? Que Sommes Nous ? Où Allons Nous ? in association with Degas, Redon, Dolent, Rouart and more artistic figures for 10,000 francs and offer it to the Museum of Luxembourg in Paris. Gauguin who was not successful yet and did not have any paintings in major museums advised Vollard to accept, explaining, in his own words, that with this painting in a museum, the sale of his work should be easier.

The sale was never concluded, Gauguin left Tahiti for the Marquesas Islands where he died 2 years later. The painting is now at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

"Dear Mr. Vollard, I received 350 Francs in the last mail delivery which I wasn't able to acknowledge due to the fact that htere was no boat returning at that time. There was nothing from you this time, right when I most needed money so as to be able to leave for the Marquesas Islands. Let's hope that the next one will fill the gap. I received a letter from Ch[arles] Morice telling me that he has formed a committee of art lovers with the object of buying my big canvas and donating it to the Luxembourg Museum. I'm writing him that if need be, he can get the painting from you and entrust it to Mr. Jean Dolent. With him, there is nothing to fear. Should this affair work out. besides the cash it will bring me, it will be of great importance in the very near future; for you, too - you will have a rather considerable moral support in the sale of my paintings - the public is so stupid. Therefore, please do everything you can to help things along. All yours. Paul Gauguin".