L12021

/

Lot 221
  • 221

Antonio Saura

Estimate
120,000 - 180,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Antonio Saura
  • Lolita
  • signed and dated 61; titled on the stretcher
  • oil on canvas
  • 162 by 130cm.; 63 3/4 by 51 1/8 in.

Provenance

Galerie Stadler, Paris
Galerie Blanche, Stockholm
GalerĂ­a Barcelona, Barcelona
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner in 1993

 

Literature

Girona, Espais Centre d'Art Contemporani, Antonio Saura, 1989, p. 109 & p. 117, illustrated

Condition

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although the overall tonality is deeper, richer and warmer in the original. The illustration fails to fully convey the textured surface apparent in the original. Condition: This work is in very good condition. There is paint shrinkage in places to the black pigment and several short drying cracks in the thicker areas of impasto paint. There are three media drips in the lower right hand quadrant. Upon close inspection, there appear to be a few short horizontal lines of surface loss to the black paint towards the centre of the top right hand quadrant. No restoration is apparent when examined under ultra-violet light.
"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."

Catalogue Note

"Saura's portraits are dissolved into wild shapes and violently convulsive movements. It is as though the inner life of the facial traits had been brought to melting point by some volcanic force.  Saura concentrates the destructive energies by leaving the background of the picture flat and untouched... Light and dark patches collide with each other seem to discharge their contradictory energy in an explosion."

Siegfried Gohr in: Exhibition Catalogue, Lugano, Museo d'Arte Moderna, Antonio Saura, 1994, pp. 56-58