Serge Poliakoff

Knoedler & Co., New York
Edward A. Bragaline, New York
Sale: Christie's, London, Twentieth Century Art, 30 June 1999, Lot 547
  

Milan, Galleria dell Naviglio, Serge Poliakoff, 1957
New York, Knoedler & Co., 20th Century Masters from the Bragaline Collection, 1963, no. 28, illustrated 

Colours: The colours are fairly accurate in the catalogue illustration, although the overall tonality is deeper and richer, the reds tending more towards red-burgundy and the yellow in the top right corner more to muddy green. The catalogue illustration does not convey the grainy textured quality to the paint surface in the original. Condition: The work is in very good condition. There is a small circular paint loss to the centre of the upper edge. There is a fine network of drying craquelure throughout the beige paint in the centre of the top section. A number of further small isolated networks of fine craquelure can be discerned to the red pigment in the lower centre of the composition and to the green paint on the left of this red paint. A circular spot of craquelure is visible on close inspection to the centre of the lower horizontal section, towards the right side of the red pigment. There is a fine hairline crack with an associated tiny spot of lifting to the upper centre of the top right hand green paint. There are some very minor scattered tiny chips to the paint surface in places throughout the composition. Each corner is slightly rubbed and there is some wear to the extreme edges in places in a few instances this has resulted in some minor associated spots of lifting. Some light surface dirt throughout and evidence of blooming to the thicker stroke of black pigment in the upper centre of the composition. Ultraviolet light reveals a minor intermittent line of retouching along the extreme top edge.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The authenticity of this work has kindly been confirmed by Alexis Poliakoff