Niki de Saint Phalle

Jean-Yves Mock, Paris
Sale: Sotheby's, London, The Collection of Jean-Yves Mock, 7 February 2005, Lot 123
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although the overall tonality is slightly richer and deeper, with the bright blue of the frog's left leg tending more towards petrol blue, the red of his chest more to tomato red, the green of his right foot more to bright apple green, and the yellow of his right eye more to primrose yellow in the original. Condition: This work is in very good condition. Some surface dirt is apparent throughout, in particular to the recess of the yellow pigment to the left shoulder, across the front of the chest, to the right shoulder, as well as to the yellow pigment of the recess of the left hind leg. There are two tiny pinprick-sized spots of media loss to the orange pigment to the left of the right leg, and a very faint unobtrusive rub mark to the inside edge of the right leg. No retouching is apparent 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."