Alberto Giacometti

Gregory Masurovsky, Paris (acquired directly from the artist)
B.C. Holland, Chicago (acquired from the above in 1985)
Acquired from the above on April 21, 1986

Paris, Musée de Pontoise, Les Dessins et ses techniques du XVe au XXe siècle, 1982, no. 120, illustrated in the catalogue 

Executed on a brown wove paper tablecloth which has been reinforced with Japan paper. The top edge is deckled. There are several losses to the upper edge and upper corners and several areas of staining which are likely inherent to the origin of the work. There are several repaired pinhols in the upper right and left corners. There are some remnants of old adhesive at all four corners. There are two repaired tears extending one-inch from the bottom edge, and two tears extending from the top edge, one measuring one inch and the other 1/2 inch. There is some light creasing to the paper and the sheet has been time stained overall. 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.

Giacometti executed Études des quatre têtes on a tablecloth from the renowned Montparnasse café La Coupole. The first owner of the work, Gregory Masurovsky, met Giacometti through his friend the poet Olivier Larronde.

The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by the Comité Giacometti and it is recorded in the Alberto Giacometti database as AGD 3916.