Lot 228
  • 228

ANSELM KIEFER | The Palm

Estimate
300,000 - 400,000 USD
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Description

  • Anselm Kiefer
  • The Palm
  • oil, emulsion, shellac, palm and soil on board, in artist's frame
  • 112 3/4 by 55 1/4 by 3 in. 286.4 by 140.3 by 7.6 cm.
  • Executed in 2006.

Provenance

Galerie Thomas Modern, Munich
Acquired from the above by the present owner in May 2007

Condition

This work is in good condition overall. There is evidence of overall wear to the sides and edges of the frame, which has resulted in some minor surface abrasions and some minor oxidation. The plant material is actively chipping and there are some pre-existing losses which has resulted in plant material falling to the bottom of the frame, which is inherent to the medium. The overall cracking and losses to the surface of the background is inherent to the artist's working method and choice of medium. Framed under glass.
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.

Catalogue Note

"He's very aware of the fragility of the landscape. And the great cracking that you see on the surface of his work is intended to tell you that it all can be swept away by the deluge, by the flood, by the fall of man. And we all have to start again."  Jackie Wullschlager, "Interview with Anselm Kiefer, ahead of his Royal Academy show," The Financial Times, 19 September 2014

The Palm (from 2006) is a part of Kiefer’s monumental series, Palmsonntag, which culminated in a large scale exhibition in 2008. Palmsonntag, or Palm Sunday, refers to the Sunday before Easter and commemorates Jesus’ triumphant return to Jerusalem before his resurrection. As Jesus walked through the gates of Jerusalem, it is said that his disciples laid down palm fronds to pave the way for his glorious return. Although the palm today may be commonly associated with a beachy paradise, historically, it has symbolized triumph and victory because of its immortality; as one palm branch dies, the next grows from it. This symbolism mirrors that of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Kiefer uses the palm frond as the central element of his work to recall this religiously historical event. The angelic wings of white dust shrouding the palm branch appear as if they are trying to break through the confinements of the canvas, serving as a constant reminder that even in the face of death, there is still hope of life.