John Marin

Mr. and Mrs. John C. Marin, Jr., New York
The Downtown Gallery, New York
Bernard Danenberg Galleries Inc., New York
Purchased by the present owner from the above, 1970

New York, Downtown Gallery, John Marin, August-September 1948, no. 11
American Federation of the Arts, circulating exhibition to India, Ceylon, Pakistan, Philippines, Japan, 1954
Houston, Contemporary Arts Museum, Contemporary Calligraphers: John Marin, Mark Tobey, Morris Graves, April-May 1956
The Montclair Art Museum, John Marin, America's Modern Pioneer: A Retrospective Exhibition of the Watercolors and Oil Paintings from 1903-1953, February-March 1964, no. 14

Sheldon Reich, John Marin: A Stylistic Analysis and Catalogue Raisonne, Part II, Tucson, 1970, p. 476, no. 20.3

Condition Report from Alvarez Fine Art Servies, Inc. (11/19/13) : Overall this watercolor and charcoal on paper laid on board is in good condition and does not present tears or paper losses. The paper layer is mounted upon an acidic board support with what appears to be a "photo mount" tissue adhesive. This double sided mounting tissue originally used in the advertising industry crossed over into the fine arts. While another alternative mounting process would usually have been more advisable, in this occasion it actually helped to preserve the work of art. The mounting tissue functioned as a barrier between the paper layer and the impurities of the added board support, inhibiting severe oxidation and discoloration of the paper. A mild toning of the paper is only visible at the four edges where the paper was under the mat showing a slight change in color. Only a small portion at the top center area where a minor separation between the art and the support exists, is there a slight distraction because of it's planar integrity. Visually, as the work is dated 1920, the demure tones of the medium may suggest that there might be the possibility of some light fading but otherwise undisturbed.
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.