Jean Arp & Sophie Taeuber-Arp

Marguerite Arp Hagenbach (wife of the artist, acquired directly from the artist in 1963)
Françoise & André Chevry, Paris (a gift from the above in 1970)
High Museum of Art, Atlanta United States (bequeathed from the above)
Sale: Christie's, New York, 10th January 2006, lot 23
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner

Paris, Musée National d’Art Moderne, Sophie Täeuber-Arp, 1964, no. 151
St. Gallen, Kunstmuseum, Sophie Täeuber-Arp, 1889 – 1943, 1964, no. 150

The panels are sound. UV examination reveals some small areas of retouching in places, predominantly to the upper central blue element. There are some fine splits to the panel, the most prominent of which are to the upper left black element and the upper right purple element which has some associated retouching. There is some light wear to the extreme edges of the mounting panel and the protruding corners of the individual elements due to age and handling. This work is in overall good condition.
"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."

Sophie Taeuber married fellow artist Jean Arp in 1922; together they collaborated on various creative projects and lived happily until her tragic accidental death in 1943 from carbon monoxide poisoning. Her legacy was great and today she is considered one of the most important and influential proponents of geometric abstraction; she remains the only woman featured on the current series of Swiss bank notes.

On the occasion of two major retrospectives of her work in 1964 at the Musée National d’Art Moderne in Paris and the Kunstmuseum in St. Gallen, her widower Jean Arp decided to transform one of her gouaches into the present relief, surviving as an enduring love letter and testament to Jean’s admiration of Sophie’s work.