John Chamberlain

Leo Castelli Gallery, New York
Anita Friedman Fine Arts, New York
Solomon and Co., New York
Allan Stone Gallery, New York
Acquired by the present owner from the above in 1982

Julie Sylvester, John Chamberlain: A Catalogue Raisonné of the Sculpture 1954-1985, New York, 1986, cat. no. 305, p. 101, illustrated

This work is in very good condition overall. The structure is well-balanced and rests soundly on its bottom edges. The juncture points are securely bolted. The observable surface irregularities are inherent to industrial nature of the stainless steel.
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.

Untitled, 1967, is an exceptional example from the small series of galvanized steel and aluminum pieces conceived by John Chamberlain through preparatory "sketches" in the form of crumpled cigarette boxes discarded by Chamberlain and his Abstract Expressionist friends at the Cedar Bar Tavern. Chamberlain favored the fabricated aluminum boxes, not only for their exact proportion to the cigarette box, but due to their extraordinary malleability. When crushed, the soft metal would fold into itself, with every bend, curvature and distortion extending to an exciting new plane and dimension with ease. The stoic coloration and industrial quality of the galvanized metal paid homage to the rigors of Minimalism, and further illustrated the encompassing artistic range of one of the most influential sculptors of a generation.