Keith Haring

Tony Shafrazi Gallery, New York
Galerie Hans Mayer, Düsseldorf
Christie's, New York, 21 November 1996, Lot 317
Acquired from the above sale by the present owner 

This work is in very good condition overall. There is evidence of light wear and handling along the edges particularly at the upper corners and a minor dent to the lower right of the canvas. The colors are bright, fresh and clean. Under close inspection, a small area of hairline craquelure is visible in the yellow part of the figure’s mouth and there are a few, minor scattered drip accretions and light abrasions, most notably in the white painted area in the lower left and in the yellow painted area in the lower center. Under Ultraviolet light inspection, there are a few minor pinpoint drip accretions in the center and in the lower right that fluoresce lightly but do not appear to be the result of restoration. Framed.
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.

"My [paintings] don't try to imitate life, they try to create life, try to invent life. That's a much more so-called primitive idea, which is the reason that my [paintings] look like they could be Aztec or Egyptian or Aboriginal or all these other things and why they have so much in common with them. It has the same attitude...inventing images. You're sort of depicting life, but you're not trying to make it life-like."

Keith Haring