MILTON AVERY | Pale Nude

The artist
Estate of the above
[With]Grace Borgenicht Gallery, New York
Gallery Gemini, Palm Beach, Florida, 1981
Private collection, by 1989
Arij Gasiunasen Fine Art of Palm Beach, Inc., Palm Beach, Florida
Probably acquired by the present owner from the above

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes, Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This work has never been restored. It seems to be undamaged. The paint layer is very thinly applied onto canvasboard. The work may be slightly dirty. There seem to be some spots of dirt near the lower right edge, and there may be a scuff near the lower left edge. The extreme bottom edge in the lower left is slightly uneven, but this is probably original to the artist. There is a tiny paint loss in the lower right corner. The work is in beautiful 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.

Painted in 1963, Milton Avery's Pale Nude exemplifies the artist's mature interest in simplified compositional designs unified by form, color, and surface. In the present work, Avery's reclining nude is surrounded by distinct planar regions of blue and green. Avery delineates the figure with simple gray strokes that outline the form, which is evoked through a single plane of color. This work demonstrates the artist's mastery of the formal qualities of painting through his modulated use of color and flattened shapes, which suggest moods that attune to the viewer’s consciousness. Color is the vehicle of expression, organizing space and indicating depth. In Pale Nude, Avery proves that figurative painting can exist purely through harmonal tonalities and simplified form.