Françoise Gilot

Acquired directly from the artist

The work is in excellent condition. Executed on cream colored wove paper. T-hinged to a mount at 2 places along the top edge of the verso. The top edge is deckled, extracted from a perforated notebook. The sheet is slightly dirty.
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.

This work is from a series of nine self-portrait drawings, possibly created in February of 1942 during an extended visit with the Gilot's best friend and muse, Geneviève, and her family in Fontes, as the south of France remained free zone until the end of that year. Each portrait in the series reveals a very determined Gilot, perhaps reflecting the political situation in France at the time. In 1942, bowing to the demands of her father, Gilot repeated her second year of law school, studying at home, but with considerable less conviction as she became more determined to become an artist. Of this portrait, Gilot wrote in 2004: “…a self-portrait where light comes out of the half shadow, which I felt corresponded to my psychological character.”