Albert Oehlen

Private Collection, France

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although the reddish pigment in the lower right quadrant tends more towards orange, and the pale pigment towards the left of the composition tends more towards light blue in the original. Condition: There is evidence of light wear to the extreme outer edges, not affecting the image. There are a few fine and unobtrusive hairline cracks to some of the heavier areas of impasto in the lower left quadrant as well as a minute loss to some 3 of the impasto peaks, in a few isolated places towards the lower left quadrant, all of which are only visible upon close inspection. Otherwise, there are no apparent condition issues with this work. No restoration is apparent when examined under ultra violet light.
"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."

"I don't think you can really, seriously - or philosophically - try to find out what it is that a painting does to you. It's contradictory. You can't come to an end because, if it's good, it's beautiful - everything that's good will be at the end called beautiful."
Albert Oehlen in conversation with Glenn O'Brien and Christopher Wool, 'Albert Oehlen,' Interview Magazine, online resource