Frank Auerbach

Given by the artist to JYM over a thirty year period and thence by descent to the present owner

The works are envelopes, and as such have handling marks apparent, with one or two small traces of resultant loss along the top edges where they have been opened. There are further very minor signs of light surface matter and studio detritus. Circus performers has a slight tear running vertically up through the composition to just below the elephant's head. This excepting the works appear in very good overall condition, with strong, fresh colours throughout. Unframed. Please telephone the department on +44 (0) 207 293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
"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."

Auerbach first met Joan Yardley Mills (JYM) in 1957 at Sidcup college of Art.  An artist herself, JYM went on to become Auerbach’s personal model for well over thirty years.  Sitting every Wednesday and Sunday without fail, for up to five hours at a time, she featured in many of his works throughout this period until her final appearance in Head of JYM III(1997, Private Collection) at the age of eighty.

The two formed a close attachment throughout this thirty year working relationship, which the current collection of works bears testament to.  Auerbach fondly decorated the envelopes of cards at Christmases and birthdays, as well as further events throughout the years, roughly sketching a charming array of elephants, typically personified and cast as characters in everyday scenes.  As well as representing the close personal relationship between Auerbach and his subject, the sketches also highlight the artist’s work in a spontaneous, humorous light.  The images, bright, lively and deeply personal, jump off the paper and bring to life the close relationship between an artist and the model that had spent hour up hour posing, week upon week, year after year, in difficult conditions in his North London studio, and the fondness that he felt towards her.

As JYM later described after her retirement from sitting “We had a wonderful relationship because I thought the world of his and he was very fond of me.  There was no sort of romance but we were very close.  Real friends.  Sundays now I’m always miserable.” (quoted in Catherine Lampert, Norman Rosenthal and Ian Carlisle, Frank Auerbach: Paintings and Drawings 1954 – 2001, Royal Academy, London, 2001, pp.26-27).