Tom Wesselmann

Private Collection, New York
Acquired by the present owner from the above

This work is in very good condition overall. There is a slight undulation to the sheet and the sheet has discolored slightly with age. The top edge is deckled and there is a small dark stain to the right edge, located 1 ¾ inches from the top edge, visible in the catalogue illustration. There is a pin hole located ¼ inch from the left edge and ¾ inches from the bottom edge with two associated extremely thin creases which are only visible upon very close inspection. There is 1mm repaired tear adjacent to the curve of the foot (visible in the catalogue illustration). The sheet is hinged to the matte verso at the four corners. Framed under Plexiglas.
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.

The present work was painted on the artist's honeymoon and depicts the foot of his new wife Claire Selley. Framed against an expanse of azure sky, it was the creative genesis for a whole series of monumental Seascape paintings that the artist made in the late 1960s depicting feet and other enlarged body parts set against a beach background. Consisting of thirty one Seascape paintings in total, this series of works saw him exploring new compositions based around the female form with a greater sense of optimism and freedom.