VICTOR VASARELY (1906 - 1997) | Study for Sophia, In Three Parts, 1952

acrylic on paper mounted to Masonite, in three parts; each signed; each signed, titled 'Sophia,' dated 'Caracas 1952' and inscribed on the reverse

Biarritz, Espace Bellevue, 'Passion et raison d'un esprit constructif: Une conquête de l'art d'Amérique Latine, Oeuvres de la Fundación Daniela Chappard,' June - September 2006, cat no. 95, p. 120, illustrated in color 

This work is in good condition overall. Each sheet is laid to Masonite. There appears to be artist's tape around the edges of each Masonite board. There are artist's pinholes throughout each sheet. There is discoloration, scattered accretions, some areas of water damage and foxing to each sheet. There is linear creasing to each sheet. There are a series of losses, some of which are visible upon close inspection, which have associated inpainting and stabilization, some of which fluoresce under Ultraviolet light inspection. Framed.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

The authenticity of the present work has been confirmed by Pierre Vasarely, President of the Fondation Vasarely, universal legatee and the moral right holder of Victor Vasarely. This work will be included in the forthcoming ‘Catalogue Raisonné de l’Oeuvre Peint de Victor Vasarely,’ which is currently being compiled by the Fondation Vasarely, Aix-en-Provence. Vasarely created this as a study for a triptych mural at the University of Caracas, in honor of Sofia Imber, who worked diligently to ensure that many famous artists’ works would go on display at this university. The present work is a striking example of Vasarely’s black and white optical paintings. The realized mural is made of tiles, similar to the broken ones in Parisian subway stations whose patterns inspired Vasarely to pursue optical art.