ALEX KATZ | The Light I

Collection of the artist
Cooper Union, New York (acquired from the above)
Acquired from the above by the present owner in December 1993 

Zurich, Marlborough Gallery AG, Alex Katz, December 1977 - January 1978, cat. no. 2, illustrated

Irving Sandler, Alex Katz, New York 1979, pl. 193, illustrated
Donald Kuspit, Alex Katz: The Night Paintings, New York 1991, pp. 84-85, illustrated in color

This work is in very good condition overall. There is light evidence of handling along the edges. The colors are bright, fresh and clean. Under very close inspection a 4-inch vertical line of hairline craquelure is visible in the female’s left shoulder in the lower left corner, a horizontal crack is visible in the upper right corner just above the male figure’s head, a small thumb-sized area of cracquelure is visible in the female figure’s nose, in the lower right corner and along bottom edge in the female figure’s chest. Under raking light, there are 3 areas of faint discoloration to the gray paint just above the cigarette and lighter. Under Ultraviolet light inspection the aforementioned discolorations fluoresce darkly and appear to have benefited from light retouching. Framed.
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.

“I wanted to use contemporary gestures, contemporary clothes and contemporary people. It was socially all the people I was seeing at the time more or less, I just invited them up and painted them.”
Alex Katz