JOSEPH CORNELL | SOAP BUBBLE SET (ECLIPSING BINARY, ALGOL WITH MAGNITUDE CHANGES)
JOSEPH CORNELL
1903 - 1972
SOAP BUBBLE SET (ECLIPSING BINARY, ALGOL WITH MAGNITUDE CHANGES)
signed and titled on the reverse
painted wood and glass box construction with metal rods, ring, nails, glass, plastic ball, clay pipe and collaged elements
10 by 14 by 3¾ in. 25.4 by 35.6 by 9.5 cm.
Executed circa 1960.
This work is in very good condition overall. The elements appear stable and well intact and the kinetic elements move freely. There is a light dust accumulation within the box and crevices, as expected with a work of this construction. Under close inspection, there is craquelure throughout the white areas, with associated flaking and resultant losses, all of which are consistent with the artist’s working method, chosen medium and intent. The mitered corners are slightly uneven, which is inherent to the artist’s working method. The glass face is slightly loose but is stable within the construction.
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.
ACA Galleries, New York
Collection of Mrs. Edward Halper, Illinois
Private Collection
Private Collection, New York
Sotheby's, New York, 10 November 1986, Lot 50
Collection of Allan Stone, New York
Sotheby's, New York, 23 September 2011, Lot 18
Acquired from the above sale by the present owner
New York, ACA Galleries, Joseph Cornell, May 1975, cat. no. 14, illustrated
New York, Whitney Downtown, 25 Stills: Exhibition of Still Lifes, 1975