Pavel Tchelitchew

Irving Sherman, New York
Acquired by 1968 

New York, Gallery of Modern Art, Pavel Tchelitchew, March - April 1964, cat. no. 15

The canvas is not lined. The surface is richly textured. There are a few losses to the paint layer, including a 1 inch area to the lower left edge where the fruit meets the basket, as well as 2 nailhead sized spots, one within the fruite and another just right of the lower left edge of the basket's handle. The canvas is gently buckling at center. The work would greatly benefit from a cleaning. There is some milky discoloration running in horizontal bands through the lower half of the composition that should be addressed. There are also some fine scattered lines of craquelure. Under UV, certain original pigmnets fluoresce and there is a thick layer of varnish that is difficult to read through. The work is in fair 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.
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.