- 130
Robert Motherwell
Estimate
300,000 - 500,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Robert Motherwell
- In Beige with Charcoal #3
- signed and dated 4. Feb. 73
- acrylic and charcoal on board
- 36 by 47 3/4 in. 91.4 by 121.3 cm.
Provenance
Arthur and Elaine Cohen, New York
Janus Gallery, Los Angeles
Private Collection, Los Angeles (acquired from the above in 1981)
Thence by descent to the present owner
Janus Gallery, Los Angeles
Private Collection, Los Angeles (acquired from the above in 1981)
Thence by descent to the present owner
Literature
Jack Flam, Katy Rogers and Tim Clifford, Eds., Robert Motherwell Paintings and Collages: A Catalogue Raisonné, 1941-1991, Vol. 2: Paintings on Canvas and Panel, New Haven 2012, cat. no. P716, p. 360, illustrated
Condition
This work is in good condition overall. There is evidence of light wear and handling along the edges including two minor and unobtrusive spots of loss in the lower right corner. The work has yellowed slightly with age. There is evidence of a light surface soiling throughout. There are several irregularities in the surface which appear to be inherent to the artist's working method, particularly just left of the upper center and in the lower left corner. Under very close inspection there are a few scattered red pinpoint media accretions in the center third of the canvas likely from the time of execution as well as some scattered pinpoint areas of loss in the upper black form. Under Ultraviolet light inspection, there is no evidence of restoration. Framed under Plexiglas.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
"Motherwell's intense feeling for the brushstroke is evident and persists even in those versions which seem at first glance most uniform in color and texture. No matter how much he has selected and eliminated in order to achieve his effect of unity, he is never concerned with the creation of a 'system' or an 'object.' All the Open paintings maintain the sense of air, of openness, of variation within the color field."
H.H. Arnason
"Motherwell: The Window and the Wall," Artnews 68, No. 4, Summer 1969, p. 57