Enrico Castellani

Collezione Marco Novella, Genova
Collezione Luigi Rimoldi, Milano
Collezione F. F. Lanza, Como
Collezione privata, Milano
Ivi acquistato dall'attuale proprietario

Renata Wirz con Federico Sardella, Enrico Castellani. Catalogo ragionato. Tomo secondo. Opere 1955-2005, Milano 2012, p. 440, n. 441, illustrato

This work appears to be in generally good overall condition. There are minor traces of dust on the top of the shapes along the upper edge and towards the lower margin. The natural canvas to the upper left edge is slightly yellowed and there is shallow foxing. There is a minor craquelure by the top of the first upper left shape, visible under close inspection. No traces of retouching appear to be visible under UV light. A professional condition report is available under request to the department.
"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."

“Quando eravamo giovani, i più anziani ci consideravano eretici ed iconoclasti, ed avevano ragione. Avevano torto nel demonizzarci perché non usavamo i loro stessi mezzi ed il loro linguaggio. Ora, se c’è una attività (non la definisco professione, né mestiere) in cui è permesso, anzi doveroso, inventarsi in tutta libertà le tecniche del fare più consone a veicolare il proprio linguaggio, questa è proprio l’attività artistica!

La superficie è il luogo di infiniti incontri, di disperate attese, di tautologiche commisurazioni, di sofferenze esistenziali e di utopistiche verifiche.

Ma ciò detto, sulla superficie  si è visto di tutto nel bene e nel male; non penso perciò che il tubo catodico magari inteso come superficie virtuale istantanea ed evanescente possa danneggiare l’idea che noi abbiamo di ciò che è arte e che dovrebbe comunque rimanere aperta a qualsiasi continua ridefinizione. Dipenderà da come lo si userà e con quale metodo”

Enrico Castellani

 (Renata Wirz con Federico Sardella, Enrico Castellani. Catalogo ragionato. Tomo I. Il percorso artistico, Milano 2012, p. 248)

"When we were young, our elders considered us to be heretics and iconoclasts, and they were right. But they were wrong in demonizing us because we didn’t use their means and language. Now, if  an activity exists – and I wouldn’t  define it as a profession or a trade – in which you’re allowed and in fact expected to freely invent the most suitable techniques for conveying what you want to say, well, this is artistic activity.

The surface is the place of infinite meetings, of desperate expectations, of tautological comparisons, existential suffering and utopian confirmations. Having said that, however, everything’s been seen on the surface – for better or worse. So I don’t think that the cathode-ray tube, perhaps intended as an instantaneous and evanescent virtual surface, can damage the idea we have of what art is. In any case, it remain open to every new redefinition. It will depend on how it’s used and with what method.”