Jan Fabre

A gift from the artist to the present owner

Kiev, Pinchuk Art Centre, Jan Fabre. Tribute to Hiëronymus Bosch in Congo (2011-2013), 2014

Colour: The colours in catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although there are more blue undertones in the original. The catalogue illustration also fails to fully convey the rich shimmering nature of the beetle wings visible in the original, and the three-dimensional nature of the composition. Condition: This work is in very good condition. Visible only upon extremely close inspection, a few of the beetle wing cases seem to be slightly brittle, which is inherent to the artist's choice of medium, and one has detached from the surface.
"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."

"I use strong materials, which happen to have a fragile appearance. The colour of those beetle shells will never fade, for the outer integument contains chitin, one of the strongest and lightest materials on earth, which was used for objects destined for the Mir space station.'"

Jan Fabre in conversation with Michaël Amy in Measuring the Clouds: A Conversation with Jan Fabre, Sculpture MAgazint, 2004, Vol. 23 no. 2