- 83
Joseph Cornell
Estimate
150,000 - 200,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Joseph Cornell
- Untitled (Weather Prophet)
- signed on the reverse
- painted wood and glass box construction with glass, wood, 4 wooden balls and printed paper collage
- 18 1/4 by 11 by 5 1/4 in. 46.4 by 27.9 by 13.3 cm.
- Executed circa 1954.
Provenance
Arno Schefler, New York
Acquired by the present owner from the above
Acquired by the present owner from the above
Exhibited
Detroit, The J.L. Hudson Gallery, Joseph Cornell, October 1965, illustrated
New York, The Museum of Modern Art, Joseph Cornell, November 1980 - January 1981, cat. no. 152, p. 210, illustrated
Andover, Phillips Academy, Addison Gallery of American Art, Andover Alumni Collectors, April - July 1995
New York, Allan Stone Gallery, Joseph Cornell, October - December 2002, cat. no. 25, n.p., illustrated in color
New York, Allan Stone Gallery, World in a Box, March - May 2012
New York, Allan Stone Gallery, Fall Selections, September - October 2013
New York, The Museum of Modern Art, Joseph Cornell, November 1980 - January 1981, cat. no. 152, p. 210, illustrated
Andover, Phillips Academy, Addison Gallery of American Art, Andover Alumni Collectors, April - July 1995
New York, Allan Stone Gallery, Joseph Cornell, October - December 2002, cat. no. 25, n.p., illustrated in color
New York, Allan Stone Gallery, World in a Box, March - May 2012
New York, Allan Stone Gallery, Fall Selections, September - October 2013
Condition
This work is in very good condition overall. All collage elements and objects appear secure and stable. Signs of wear to the box and found elements are original to the artist's intent. The four wooden balls are loose and mobile. There is hairline pigment cracking and some associated lifting within the interior compartment. There is time staining to the printed paper on the reverse.
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
“Cornell was familiar with the symbolic meaning of birds. Their flight path links heaven and earth; like butterflies, small birds symbolize souls (more specifically children’s souls) freed from their earthly bonds and flying back to their heavenly home. The bird is a symbol of heaven, in opposition to the serpent, a symbol of earth. Birds at times represent angels because of their wings. The innumerable bluebirds in Chinese literature of the Han period are fairies, immortals, and heavenly messengers. They can also symbolize freedom. ”
Diane Waldman, Joseph Cornell Master of Dreams, New York, 2002, p. 89