- 69
Balthus
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 USD
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Description
- Balthus
- Étude pour les costumes du Les Cenci: Ten Works on Paper
- Watercolor, pen and ink and pencil on paper mounted on card
- Each, sight: 14 by 11 in.; 35.6 by 27.9 cm
- Executed circa 1935.
Provenance
Iya, Lady Abdy (acquired directly from the artist)
Thence by descent
Thence by descent
Literature
Virginie Monnier & Jean Clair, Balthus, Catalogue raisonné de l'œuvre complet, Paris, 1999, nos. 1615-24, illustrated pp. 507-09
Condition
Watercolor, pencil, and ink on paper. Each sheet of paper apparently mounted on card and encased in a closed window mat. In generally good condition, some with creases, one with an obvious stain and tear at top. All with handling creases and surface dirt. The woman in the red dress and green sash having an approximately two inch obvious repaired tear in the lower left. Interested parties are welcome to contact the department for a further discussion of 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.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
In 1935 Lady Abdy financed a production of Les Cenci by the theatrical visionary Antonin Artaud. The story of a 16th century Italian noble who was killed by the family he abused, the play was designed to introduce Artuad's brutal theories of the Theater of Cruelty to the public. Although largely dismissed as a failure, the only praise for Les Cenci was for Iya Abdy's extraordinary beauty in the leading role of Beatrice Cenci and the sets and costumes that had been designed by Balthus. See note to lot 66.