Lot 4
  • 4

Ben Nicholson, O.M.

Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description

  • Ben Nicholson, O.M.
  • April 59 (kos)
  • signed and titled on the backboard
  • pencil and wash
  • 48 by 35.5cm.; 19 by 14in.

Provenance

Galerie Charles Lienhard, Zurich
Sale, Sotheby's, London, 6th December 1984, lot 658

Exhibited

Strasbourg, Chateau des Rohan, La Grande Aventure de l'Art du XXe siècle, June - September 1963, no.191. 

Condition

The card sheet is not laid down and appears to be in excellent original condition. There is a small spot of glue residue towards the left end of the top edge which may have occurred in the artist's studio. A horizontal trail of slightly yellow liquid residue runs from the right edge of the picture towards the centre - this may also have occurred in the artist's studio and does not mar the overall appearance of the work. Presented floated against a board within a backboard, in a simple aluminium and perspex box frame in good condition other some shallow surface scratches. Ready for the wall.
"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

Greece had long been a place where Nicholson had wanted to explore but it was not until 1959 that he first ventured there. He travelled on a Swan Hellenic tour, a country house style cruise, which made numerous stops. The trip was a revelation for Nicholson and he was to make several return visits. It was the simplistic Cycladic figurines and the beauty of Greek architecture which were to have the strongest influence on his work from this period. This influence can be seen in the current work and in the series of drawings and etchings that followed the trip.