Lot 114
  • 114

JOSEF ALBERS | Study for a Homage to the Square

Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Josef Albers
  • Study for a Homage to the Square
  • oil on blotting paper
  • 29.2 by 29.2 cm. 11 1/2 by 11 1/2 in.
  • Executed circa 1960-65.

Provenance

Galerie Denise René, Paris
Christie's, South Kensington, 11 September 2003, Lot 189
Guy Pieters Gallery, Belgium
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Condition

Colour: The colour in the catalogue illustration is fairly accurate, although the overall tonality is lighter, brighter and more vibrant in the original. Condition: This work is in very good condition. Close inspection reveals some dogears, paper skinning and nicks to all four extreme edges in intermittent places. Further close inspection reveals some light creasing to places, most notably to all four corners, some of which have some tiny specks of associated loss. No restoration is apparent when examined under ultra-violet light.
"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."

Catalogue Note

“In visual perception a color is almost never seen as it really is – as it physically is. This fact makes color the most relative medium in art.... Practical exercises demonstrate through color deception (illusion) the relativity and instability of color. And experience teaches that in visual perception there is a discrepancy between physical fact and psychic effect” (Josef Albers cited in: Josef Albers and Nicholas Fox Weber, Interaction of Color, London 2006, pp. 1-2).

This work will be included in the Catalogue Raisonné of Paintings by Josef Albers currently being prepared by the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation under number JAAF 1960.2.7.