David Park

John Berggruen Gallery, San Francisco
Acquired by the present owner from the above in 1989

This work is in very good condition overall. There is a slight ripple to the sheet which is presumably due to the heavy application of media. The edges have yellowed slightly with age. The gouache, which appears quite stable and sound overall, shows very faint evidence of spot craquelure in the red area by the upper left and in the blue and black of the eyebrow. There is a faint hairline scuff, approximately 1 inch wide extending from the bold blue outline of the cheek of the figure on the left extending into the mauve field of color in the face. The work is mounted to the matte board at the upper corners and is framed under glass in a wood frame with a gilt face. The work is inscribed 9327B on the reverse.
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.

I saw that if I would accept subjects, I could paint with more absorption, with a certain enthusiasm for the subject which would allow some of the aesthetic qualities, such as color and composition, to evolve more naturally. With subjects, the difference is that I feel a natural development of the painting rather than a formal, self-conscious one. [...] The line between non-objective painting and figurative painting is no different than the line between still life and portrait painting. – David Park