PAUL KLEE | Gewalt des Riesen (Power of the Giant)

Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler, Paris (until 1938)
Karl Nierendorf, Cologne & New York (acquired in 1938)
Eric Ponder (until 1962)
Berggruen & Cie, Paris (acquired in 1962)
James Wise, Geneva & New York (acquired in 1962)
Sale: Galerie Motte, Geneva, July 10, 1970, lot 98 
Galeria de Arte Portobello (and sold: Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc., New York, May 27, 1971, lot 49)
Maurice Perea (acquired at the above sale)
Sale: Christie's, New York, November 20, 1980, lot 167
Sale: Christie's, New York, May 16, 1985, lot 165
Sale: Christie's, New York, November 20, 1986, lot 167
Acquired at the above sale 

New York, Nierendorf Gallery, Paul Klee, 1941, no. 21
New York, Nierendorf Gallery, Works by Klee, 1945, no. 44
Palm Beach, Society of the Four Arts, Paintings by Paul Klee, 1951, no. 29
Geneva, Galerie George Moos, Paul Klee, 1963, no. 23

The Paul Klee Foundation & Museum of Fine Arts, Bern, eds., Paul Klee Catalogue Raisonné 1931-1933, vol. VI, Bern, 2002, no. 6287, illustrated p. 396

Executed on cream wove paper which has been laid down a supporting mount. The original artist's mount has been separated from the sheet and a section of this original mount is visible on the reverse of the supporting mount. The left edge is deckled and appears to have been detached from a sketchbook. There is a one-inch long repaired tear in the left half of the bottom edge. There is a half-inch long repaired tear in the right half of the lower edge. There is a small repaired tear in the lower right corner. There are two very minor tears in the lower half of the right edge as well as two half-inch long repaired tears in the same area. There is another inch-long repaired tear in the upper half of the right edge and a small repaired tear toward the upper right corner along the right edge. There is a small nick to the sheet along the upper edge, above the signature. There is some light scattered staining in places which do not distract from the composition. The sheet is slightly time-stained overall. The work is in overall good 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.