ERNST WILHELM NAY | Bleu Royal

Galerie Der Spiegel, Cologne
Private Collection, Germany
Thence by descent to the present owner in 1963

Cologne, Galerie Der Spiegel, Ernst Wilhelm Nay, November - December 1959

Aurel Scheibler, Ernst Wilhelm Nay, Werkverzeichnis der Ölgemälde, Band II, 1952-1968, Cologne, 1990, p. 152, no. 874, illustrated in colour

The work is executed on its original canvas and is not relined. The edges of the canvas are covered by the frame. The colours are fairly accurate in the printed catalogue illustration although the overall tonality is brighter in the original work. Minor hairline cracks are visible upon close inspection on the thickest impasto's mainly located in the upper left quadrant and in the center of the lower half of the canvas. As visible in the catalogue illustration, the layers of paint in the dark blue areas leave a slight transparency that reveals the surface of the canvas. the Under Ultra Violet Light inspection there is no evidence of restoration. This work is in very good 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."

Ernst Wilhelm Nay, Bleu Royal, 1958 Considered one of the most prominent German artists of the post-war period, Ernst Wilhelm Nay is also undoubtedly one of the most talented colorists of his time. Bleu Royal is an emblematic work from his most famous series Scheibenbilders, Disc Paintings in English (1954-1962) and marks a turning point in the career of the artist who started to receive international recognition when representing Germany at the Venice Biennale of 1956 and taking part in three consecutive Documenta in 1955, 1959 and 1964 in Kassel. Strongly influenced by Hofer, Kirchner and Matisse, this polyphonic painting also reveals the importance of the music researches conducted by Schönberg and Bartok at the time. With its vaguely outlined vivid rounded shapes flourishing like a multitude of flowers melodiously arranged, the work seems to burst with musicality.