Chaïm Soutine
Le taureau
Despair, Desire and Delight: Works from an Outstanding Private Collection
Chaïm Soutine
1893 - 1943
Le taureau
signed C. Soutine (upper right)
oil on board
24 by 39.6 cm., 9½ by 15⅝in.
Framed: 33.6 by 47.6 cm., 13¼ by 18¾in.
Painted circa 1941-42.
The painting will be included in the forthcoming Volume III of the Chaim Soutine catalogue raisonne, now in preparation by Esti Dunow.
The board is sound and ever so slightly bowed. Inspection under UV light reveals a milky varnish through which UV light cannot fully penetrate, however, there are several areas of fluorescence which may correspond to historic retouchings. There is a fine split to the board to the left edge (approx. 8cm) with some associated retouching. There is a pinprick sized hole beneath the belly of the bull. There is some paint shrinkage in places. There are some minor losses and nicks to the board along all four edges corresponding to frame abrasion and historic wear. There are some tiny surface accretions and surface dirt in places. This 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.
New York, The Jewish Museum, Chaim Soutine: Flesh, 2018