Simon Hantaï

Private Collection (acquired directly from the artist circa 1970)
By descent to the present owner from the above

This work is in very good condition overall. There is evidence of light wear and handling including some craquelure and minor paint losses at the edges and abrasions at the corners. There is a very light surface soiling along the right edge. The fold marks, abrasions, and indentations visible throughout are inherent to the artist's 'pliage' technique and have been present since the time of production. The stretcher bars are partially visible at the turning edges. Under Ultraviolet light inspection, there is no evidence of restoration. Unframed.
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.

"The problem was: how to beat the aesthetic privilege of talent, art etc...? How to make the exceptional banal? How to become exceptionally banal? The fold was one way to resolve this problem. Folding came from nothing. You simply had to put yourself in the state of mind of someone who had seen nothing; put yourself in the canvas. One could fill the folded canvas without knowing where the edges were. One does not know moreover where it stops. One could even go further and paint with closed eyes." Simon Hantaï