Kees van Dongen

Collection particulière, Pays-Bas
Acquis dans les années 1960 puis par descendance au propriétaire actuel

The canvas is not lined. The colours are fresh and luminous with a nice impasto. Close inspection only reveals some minor hairline areas of craquelure in the thick layers of pigment and some slight frame abrasion along the extreme edges. Under UV light, some spots of retouching appear to fluoresce along upper and lower edges with some scattered stabilized craquelures. This work remains 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."

signed 'van Dongen.' (lower right) and inscribed '5 rue Juliette Lamber / Paris (17e)' (on the reverse); oil on canvas. 

"J’aime passionnément la vie de mon époque, si animée, si fiévreuse. […] oui, j’aime ce qui brille, les pierres précieuses qui étincellent, les belles femmes qui inspirent le désir charnel… et la peinture me donne la possession plus complète de tout cela, car ce que je peins est souvent la réalisation obsédante d’un rêve ou d’une hantise." Kees van Dongen