Jean Dubuffet

Carlo Frua de Angeli Collection, Paris
Waddington Galleries, London
Private Collection, Belgium
Christian Fayt Art Gallery, Belgium
Acquired from the above by the current owner

Leverkusen, Château de Morsbroich, Jean Dubuffet, August - October 1957; catalogue, n.p., no. 30
Montreal, Laudau Beaux-Arts, Qui rassemble la foule...la captive, October - November 1988

Max Loreau, Catalogue des travaux de Jean Dubuffet, Fascicule VIII, Lieux momentanés, pâtes battues, Paris, 1979, p. 27, no. 19, illustrated
Marcel Paquet, Dubuffet, Paris, 1993, p. 92, no. 108, illustrated in colour

The colours are fairly accurate in the catalogue illustration although the overall tonality is more contrasted in the original work and the background colours tend more towards a reddish brown. Moreover, the image does not accurately convey the rich texture of the surface which is significantly detailed. The work is executed on its original canvas and is not relined. Under Ultra Violet light inspection there is no evidence of restoration. This work is in excellent condition.
"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."

“Without bread, man dies of hunger, but without art, he dies of boredom.”

Jean Dubuffet

“I am passionate about savagery in all ways.”

Jean Dubuffet

“After having explored the language of physical phenomenon through the reliefs and hollows of his works, Dubuffet exploited the spontaneity of coloured liquids and the geography of their interpenetrations in Lieux momentanes. Dubuffet was passionate about materials, and remained so for a long time, until 1961. However that which he scrunitised and listened to for the moment, presented the advantage of adapting to the arbitrary appetite which had taken hold of the creator. Thus Dubuffet discovered a field of substance in accordance with his ambitions: creating a rivalry of fates, an increase of the arbitrary.”

Max Loreau, Foreword of the Catalogue des travaux de Jean Dubuffet, Lieux momentanes, pates battues, June 1967