Max Ernst

comprising bed mounted with two lithographs backed with mirrors, mink coverlet and screen entitled "Le Grand Ignorant" with offset lithograph collage

Sotheby's New York, October 7, 1988, lot 224

Jane Davison, "Another White House," The New York Times Magazine, January 11, 1976, p. 68 (for an example of "Lit-Cage et son Paravent" in the Vice Presidential residence of Nelson Rockefeller)
Ghislaine Wood, ed., Surreal Things:  Surrealism and Design, London, 2007, pp. 342-343

Overall in excellent condition. The wooden frame with minor surface scratches, especially along the platform elements. The brass supports with surface dirt, finger prints, some minor rubbing to surface and some very minor scratches, which appear to be the result of installation and de-installation of the piece. To the proper right and left along the platform near the head of the bed, there are two compartments, which open. It is believed that these were designed for bedside lights. The hardware to open these compartment is visible in the catalogue photograph. The side elements adjacent to the headboard which extend approximately eight inches are on a hinge and therefore can be opened and closed, much like a gate. The lithographs appear in good condition. The mirrored back with only very faint surface scratches. One of the brass arms that extend the lithograph currently positioned closest to the foot of the bed, with a slight bend, which allows the lithograph to hang down slightly. Also with minor surface scratches to the top of this armature. This is visible in the catalogue illustration and does not impact the piece. The mink coverlet with velvet border and backing. In excellent condition with minor differentiation in color which is inherent in the furs. The green foliage element of the footboard in excellent condition with only minor rubbing and surface scratches. The bed currently being exhibited and sold without a mattress. The separate screen appears in good condition with only minor surface scratches. With brass decorative elements. The back is not decorated, but covered with a fabric upholstery. The hinges on the screens lacking some original screws and thus the hinges currently loose. The background of the screen a dark grey, rather than the black color which it appears in the catalogue illustration.
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.

In 1974, Max Ernst designed "Lit-Cage et son Paravent" to be produced in multiple by Modern Art Associates of Geneva, which was also known as Modarco.  The edition was to include 49 beds with screens and an additional 50 "Le Grand Ignorant" screens to be sold as separate works.  Upon his death in 1976, only the screens and fifteen of the beds had been executed.   

 

 

Infamously, one example of this bed from the personal collection of Nelson Rockefeller was placed in the Vice Presidential residence upon renovation in 1974/1975.  The bed was the single work that the Rockefellers donated to the permanent collection of the mansion. Another example of "Lit-Cage et son Paravent" is in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. One is currently on view in the "Surreal Things" touring exhibition at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam.