Henri Gaudier-Brzeska

Sale, Christie's London, 15th July 2010, lot 27 (as Dancing Figure), where acquired by the present owner

The backing board is adhered to the window mount. The sheet does not appear to be fully laid down but attached to the mount around the edges. The sheet is slightly cockled and there is a minor small fold in the upper left corner. There is a crease running horizontally across the work, only visible in raking light, as well as three further creases running horizontally from the left vertical edge. There is a light crease running vertically down the centre of the sheet, only visible upon close inspection. There is a small scuff in the upper right quadrant. The sheet is possibly slightly timestained throughout and there are a few scattered specks of studio detritus and possibly tiny specks of foxing. Subject to the above the work is in very good overall condition. The work is held within a canvas lined window mount within a moulded gilt wood frame under glass. Please telephone the department on +44 207 293 6424 if you have any questions.
"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."

We are grateful to Dr Roger Cole for his kind assistance with the cataloguing of the present work.

The present work may be an example from what is known as Gaudier's black notebook, other examples from the notebook can be found in Ezra Pound's Gaudier-Brzeska, The Bodley Head, London, 1916, pl. nos. XXXVII and XXXVIII.