JEAN DUBUFFET | Deux Bédouins au Désert

Galerie Daniel Cordier, Paris
Collection of Paolo Marinotti, Milan (acquired in 1960)
Christie's, London, 6 February 2003, Lot 604
Private Collection (acquired from the above sale)
Collection of Theodore J. Forstmann, New York (acquired from the above)
Sotheby's, New York, 10 May 2012, Lot 134
Acquired from the above sale by the present owner

New York, Acquavella Galleries, Jean Dubuffet: Anticultural Positions, April - June 2016, pl. 15, p. 115, illustrated in color

Max Loreau, Ed., Catalogue des travaux de Jean Dubuffet, Fascicule IV: Roses d'Allah, clowns du désert, Paris 1967, cat. no. 33, p. 32, illustrated

This work is in very good condition overall. There is light evidence of handling along the edges. There are several artist's pinholes in each corner of the sheet and the edges of the canvas are fabric-taped. There are areas of thin cracking and craquelure scattered throughout, all of which appears to be stable and some of which is inherent to the artist’s working method and intent, and some minor flaking to the paint along the bottom edge. There are also areas where the underlayer of the painting is exposed, as visible in the catalogue illustration and which appear to be intentionally scraped away by the artist. Under Ultraviolet light inspection, there is no evidence of restoration. 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.

“Perhaps it was the time I spent in the deserts of White Africa that sharpened my taste...for the little, the almost nothing, and especially, in my art, for the landscapes where one finds only the formless.”
Jean Dubuffet