Lot 39
  • 39

TOM WESSELMANN | Smoker Study (For Smoker #15)

Estimate
120,000 - 180,000 USD
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Description

  • Tom Wesselmann
  • Smoker Study (For Smoker #15)
  • signed, titled and dated 1973 and 73 on the overlap 
  • oil on canvas
  • 17 by 23 in. 43.2 by 58.4 cm.

Provenance

Private Collection, Switzerland
Thence by descent to the present owner

Condition

This work is in good condition overall. The canvas is unlined and very slightly slack on the stretcher. There is evidence of light wear and handling to the edges, with some minor scattered tension cracking to the turning edges and light abrasions to the lateral edges. There are some faint, scattered surface accretions and a minor, stable hairline linear crack to the pigment to the upper center of the composition, only viewable under very close inspection. Under Ultraviolet inspection, there is no evidence of restoration. Framed.
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.

Catalogue Note

"I've done all those smokers and people think, 'O.K. that's sexy. That's erotic.' But to me it's just an organic evolution that started with just a mouth which may suggest sex. But it was just a mouth. So that becomes like an extension of my nudes, but to me it's not. It's something completely separate."  Tom Wesselmann