Alex Katz

Gasiunasen Gallery, Palm Beach
Private Collection, Palm Beach (acquired from the above in April 2001)
Thence by descent to the present owner

Robert Storr, Alex Katz Paints Ada, New York 2006, pp. 70-71, illustrated in color

This work is in very good condition overall. There are a few drip accretions in bottom white area (the figure's shoulder) which appear brown in normal lighting and fluoresce under ultraviolet light. There is evidence of light wear and handling to the sides and edges of the canvas, particularly along the bottom edge and along the right edge of the canvas. There is an area of what appears to be minor paint loss where the figure's hair meets the bottom edge. 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.

"People say painting’s real and abstract. Everything in paint that’s representational is false because it’s not representational, it’s paint. We speak different languages and have different syntax. The way I paint, realistic is out of abstract painting as opposed to abstract style. So I use a line, a form and a color. So my contention is that my paintings are as realistic as Rembrandt’s...It was realistic painting in its time. It’s no longer a realistic painting. Realism’s a variable. For an artist, this is the highest thing an artist can do – to make something that’s real for his time, where he lives. But people don’t see it as realistic, they see it as abstract. But for me it’s realistic."
Alex Katz