Rudolf Stingel

Massimo De Carlo Gallery, Milan
Christie’s, London, 17 October 2009, Lot 128
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although it fails to fully convey the metallic quality of the dark silver paint visible in the original. Condition: This work is in very good condition. Very close inspection reveals evidence of light wear to the corner tips. No restoration is apparent when examined under ultraviolet 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."

“To paint is to act. Yet this action does not necessarily produce a painting. Most of the time, the result is an approximation of an ideal painting that exists in the mind of the painter. Although painting can be an action, it must also be an observation. The mere act of painting does not create a Painting but simply some painting. But if the action of painting is used as a lens to observe reality to create another reality, then we have a Painting. Stingel creates a transitive way to recede from abstraction into the subject and to push the subject into a different kind of time.”

FRANCESCO BONAMI
quoted in Francesco Bonami, Rudolf Stingel, London, 2007, pp. 13-14