Georges Ribemont-Dessaignes

Tristan Tzara
Arturo Schwarz, Milan
Galerie 1900-2000, Paris
Acquis auprès de celle-ci par le propriétaire actuel

Paris, Galerie Montaigne, hall du Studio des Champs-Elysées, Salon Dada, 1921
Bruxelles, Palais des Beaux-Arts, Métamorphose de l'objet: art et anti-art 1910-1970, 1971, no. 101, illustré
Turin, Galleria Civica d'Arte Moderna, Dada-Surrealisti 1915-1925, 1974, illustré
Francfort, Städtische Galerie im Städelschen Kunstinstitut, Dada in Europa, 1977-78, illustré
Londres, Hayward Gallery, Dada and surrealism reviewed, 1978, illustré no. 8-29
Caracas, Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, El espiritu Dada 1915/1925, 1980, illustré
Montreuil, Musée de l'Histoire vivante, Philippe Soupault, voyageur magnétique, 1989, no. 216, illustré p. 129
Marseille, Centre de la Vieille Charité, Poesure et peintrie, 1993, illustré p. 194
Paris, Musée National d'Art Moderne, Centre Georges Pompidou, Dada, 2005-06, no. 512, illustré p. 836

Arturo Schwarz, Almanacco dada, Milan, 1976, illustré p. 206

Executed on cream laid paper, not laid down. The sheet is taped to the overmount along the upper edge. There are some remnants of old tape at the edges (only visible on the back). There are some scattered spots of foxing near the upper and lower edges, and a 5-mm tear to the lower edge. The edges of the sheet are deckled. The sheet is slightly wavy. Apart from some time-staining (visible at the edges, but not visible when framed), this work is in good condition.
"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."

L'Art est de droit divin. Qu'on le veuille ou non, il y a une partie de l'Art qui a une action morale, et de là, sociale. L'importance de Dieu est au fond uniquement sociale. Les ennemis de Dieu sont ceux de la société. Si l'on remplace Dieu par le Bien, ou par le Beau, tout est sauvé. Mais si l'on commence à détruire ceci, ne s'attaquera-t-on pas à cela? Où s'arrêtera-t-on? Les dadaïstes sont les ennemis de la société.
Georges Ribemont-Dessaignes, Dadaïsme, in 'Der Stum', avril 1922

Fig. 1  Salon Dada à la galerie Montaigne, Hall du Studio des Champs-Elysées, 6-30 juin 1921, l'œuvre est visible sur le mur de droite

signed with the initials 'GRD' and titled 'Dieu à bicyclette' upper left, ink on paper. Executed in 1920.