Nicolas de Staël

Alexandre Farra, Paris
Hector Brame, Paris
Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon (acquired from the above in July 1969)

Geneva, Galerie Motte, Nicolas de Staël (1914-1955), Peintures et dessins, July - August 1967, cat. no. 24, illustrated 

Jacques Dubourg and Françoise de Staël, Nicolas de Staël, Paris, 1968, cat. no. 362, p. 183,  illustrated
Françoise de Staël, Nicolas de Staël: Catalogue raisonné de l'oeuvre peint, Neuchâtel, 1997, cat. no. 498, p. 378, illustrated

This work is in excellent condition. Under ultraviolet light, there is a small ½ inch retouch, located 2 ½" from the bottom and 6 ⅞-7" in from the right edge and, in the upper left corner, there are scattered tiny retouches and a 3" horizontal linear retouch near the upper edge. There is wear and minor paint loss to the lower left and right corners, as well as to the upper right corner. The unframed canvas is edged with black linen tape.
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.