Leonor Fini

Galerie Eric Philippe, Paris
Nicolas Berggruen Gallery, Miami
Private Collection 

Paris, Galerie Drouin, 1939
London, Victoria and Albert Museum; Rotterdam, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen; Bilbao, Guggenheim Museum; Toronto, Art Gallery of Ontario, Surreal Things: Surrealism and Design, 2007-09, illustrated in the catalogue
London & New York, Luxembourg & Dayan, Grisaille, 2011-12, illustrated in the catalogue
Umea, Sweden, Bildmuseet, Leonor Fini / Pourquoi Pas?, 2014, illustrated in the catalogue

Ghislaine Wood, The Surreal Body: Fetish and Fashion, London, 2007, pp. 48-49
Peter Webb, Sphinx: The Life and Art of Leonor Fini, New York, 2009, illustrated p. 65

Both of these large paintings are in generally good condition, despite the fact that there have been some scratches and slight evidence of instability at the base of the figure of Architecture. The panels on which they are painted are flat and although there is linen applied to the reverse, there is no evidence that there is linen beneath the paint layer. Fini has incorporated intentional distress and techniques to suggest age and the work should not be cleaned. The restoration that exists on Architecture applies to a scratch beginning in her right thigh and entering into the base of the triangle on the left of the picture. There is restoration on the bottom edge addressing some instability. The restoration is small and could be improved. In the figure of the Artist the overall condition is the same, but there is no scratch in the paint layer and the bottom edge does not appear to have developed any instability. Any concern about the intentional distressing of the paint layer and glazing here and there is unfounded and the work is in beautiful 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.