JEAN-PAUL RIOPELLE | Falstaff

Jacques Dubourg, Paris
Arthur Tooth & Sons, London
John and Eveline Saemann, United Kingdom (acquired from the above in 1959)
Joan Phelan, London (by descent)
Thence by descent to the present owner

London, Arthur Tooth & Sons, Paintings 1949 - 1959, 1959, n.p., no. 17, illustrated

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although there is less blue undertones in the green pigment. Condition: This work is in very good condition. Close inspection reveals some drying cracks in isolated places throughout, some of which have tiny specks of associated loss and some tiny losses to some of the impasto peaks. Further very close inspection reveals some light wear to all four extreme corner tips. 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."

“You have to become the motor before you can really know how to drive. And in painting? In painting, it’s no different: you have to become the canvas as it takes shape” (Jean-Paul Riopelle in conversation with Gilbert Erouart, in: Fernand Séguin, Jean-Paul Riopelle and Gilbert Erouart, Eds., Riopelle in Conversation, Canada 1995, p. 13).

This work will be included in the forthcoming Jean-Paul Riopelle Catalogue Raisonné being prepared by Madame Yseult Riopelle.