Pavel Tchelitchew

Acquired directly from the artist
Rex Evans Gallery, Los Angeles
Joseph H. Hirshhorn, New York
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, gift of the above in 1966
Sotheby's Arcade, Modern and Contemporary Art, 20 February 1997, lot 112, sold to benefit the acquisitions fund of the above

Los Angeles, Rex Evans Gallery, Tchelitchew, 1965

H.J. Seldis, ‘Drawings Superior at Exhibit’, Los Angeles Times, 1 February 1965, p.59 mentioned in the text 
N.Marmer, ‘Los Angeles Letter’, Art International, no.9, May 1965, p.46 mentioned in the text

There is a pinhole in the bottom right corner. All four edges and corners show some wear, notably the right edge which is slightly uneven. Frame abrasions with minor associated paint loss are visible along all four edges. A few scattered light scratches, nicks and faint creases are visible in places including in the sitter's chest and his left upper arm. There is a layer of surface dirt. The sheet is hinged to the mount in two places along the top edge. Held behind Perspex in a gilt wooden frame.
"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."

‘The greatest interest is evoked by such early works as Seated Male Nude, Spanish Equestrians and Pansies. It seems as if Tchelitchew could do almost anything with a line and proceeded to do so’, wrote Henry J. Seldis, arts editor of the Los Angeles Times, on seeing Tchelitchew's exhibition at Rex Evans Gallery in 1965.