MAX ERNST | Lit-Cage and its screen Le grand Ignorant

signed and monogrammedebonised wood, brass, lithographically printed mirrored glass, lacquered wood, with a mink blanketConceived in 1974, this work is part of an edition of 49 beds and 99 screens

Ephraim Ilin, Paris
Acquired from the above by the present owners

E. Quinn, Max Ernst, 1977, n. 526, p. 407 (for the 1973 painting Plusieurs animaux dont un illetré used for one of the lithograph)
Calgary, Glenbow Museum, exhibition catalogue, Max Ernst, From the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Ernst, 1980, n. 12, p. 23 (for the 1934 painting Nageur aveugle used for the other lithograph)

Bed : Good overall condition. The wood structure presents with a few scattered scratches, light scuffs, small dents and rare minute chips, all consistent with age and use. The painted wood floral element presents with scattered craquelures and some cracks, all consistent with the aging process of the material. A few elements have been previously broken and re-glued. There are several screw holes on the element, some of them might be later as not all of them can be used to fix the element. The brass stems with some instances of pitting and of oxidation and scattered tiny losses to the gilt finish. The lithographs are in excellent condition, they are protected by glass panels that present with some light surface soiling. The mink and velvet blanket presents with some scattered discreet unstitched seams mostly concentrated to the lighter vison element, including a more significant one below the face of one figure, with some small tears to the leather, and another more significant one at the junction between the velvet and the mink, also with a few small tears. Some seams have previously been poorly re-sewed on. The bed is sold without a mattress. Screen : Very good overall condition. The front panels are painted and presents with a few very rare and very tiny losses of paint. There is a small crack with light uplifting of the wood around one hinge. The lacquered wood frames present with some scratches and a few tiny dents (one more visible on the outer edge of a panel, of approximately 1,5 cm). The lithograph presents with a few rare areas of very light abrasions and with a scratch with three small scuffs/surface tears on the proper left lower corner. The back panels are covered with velvet.
"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."

Le lit est l'endroit où les grands mystères de la vie se rencontrent, ce qui lui donne un caractère sacré, comme une sorte d'autel sur lequel chacun de ces mystères seraient tour à tour célébrés.The bed is the place where the great mysteries of life meet, which gives it a sacred character, as a kind of altar on which each of these mysteries would be celebrated.

André Pieyre de Mandiargues