Georges Jouve

Collection of the artist's family
Galerie de Beyrie, New York
Gallery 1950, New York
Acquired from the above by the present owner, 2003

Galerie Jousse Entreprise, Georges Jouve, Paris, 2005, pp. 240-241

62 3/4 in. high (without the base). Base is 7 3/4 x 24 x 24 in. Overall in very good condition. When viewed in person, the surface presents with a wonderful rich hue and deep black glaze. The glazed surfaces present with minor irregularities, including minute burst air bubbles, inherent in the production technique. With shallow surface scratches consistent with age and gentle handling. The face visible in the catalogue illustration presents with some imperfection to the glaze to the lower left panel and when examined under black light some evidences of retouching to the glaze, which may have been done at the time of production. The lower right panel with a minor restoration to the right of the lower edge, measuring approximately 1x 1 ½ inches. On the other side of the work, the mid-panel with minor surface scratches to the glaze, possibly inherent. The left panel with a minor area of retouching to the glaze along the right edge over 2 x 1 inches, only visible under black light. The lower right panel with some minor inherent irregularities in the glaze. The stone base with losses to the stone dressing of the vertical stone dressing, visible on the back cover of the catalogue, consistent with age and gentle handling and not at all visually distractive. A minor loss to the horizontal lower right seam, not at all visually distractive and with a small infill. A masterpiece by the artist, which presents with monumental scale and extraordinary presence when viewed in person. -----
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.

This monumental freeform sculpture has the quiet force of a monolith, yet its satin-smooth surface and soft edges imbue it with a lyrical quality.  Throughout his career Georges Jouve “tried passionately to express the moving, dynamic reality of life within a stable form.” (Norbert Pierlot, Jouve)  He would achieve this goal not only through his exceptional talent as a sculptor but also by his virtuosity as a ceramicist.  The luxurious deep black glaze created by Jouve in the present offering recalls Henri Matisse’s declaration: “black is a color.”