Donald Judd

Executed by the artist for the present owner

Donald Judd Furniture Retrospective, Museum Boymans-van Beuningen, Rotterdam, April 25-June 20, 1993

Barbara Haskell, Donald Judd, New York, 1988, p. 130 (for a related model)
Hatje Cantz, Donald Judd:  Architecture, New York, 2003, p. 113 (for a related model)
Marianne Stockebrand, Chinati:  The Vision of Donald Judd, Marfa, TX, 2010, pp. 16 and 144 (for related models)

Overall in very good original condition. This prototype was handmade by Donald Judd for his son, Flavin. Therefore the construction of the individual elements remain visible upon inspection of the chair and there are some minor irregularities throughout that are inherent in the making. The chair throughout with some small and shallow surface scratches and edge nicks consistent with age and gentle use. The top of the seat with a small isolated area of discoloration that is minor and does not detract from the overall appearance of the work. There are a few small and minor age cracks to the backrest that are commensurate with the natural aging process of the wood. An extremely rare furniture prototype by Judd to appear on the market which has remained in the family of the artist since its creation.
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.

The present lot demonstrates Donald Judd’s aesthetic of minimalist, architectonic sensibilities in furniture design.  Judd’s interest in harmonious architectural spaces had its roots in developing proportionate and cohesive interiors, especially in the careful placement of his art in alternative contexts as well as incorporating furniture into designed spaces.  The present lot is an early prototype of a chair first photographed by Judd’s assistant Robert Dearing in 1983.  The juxtaposition of vertical and horizontal planks demonstrates a planar construction that mimics the minimalist architecture admired by Judd, and ultimately adheres to his ideology of achieving a holistic atmosphere within architectural spaces through both art and design.