Serge Poliakoff

Galerie Lorenzelli, Bergame
Collection particulière, Milan

Bergame, Galerie Lorenzelli, Poliakoff, 1970, no. 25

This work is in very good condition. The canvas is not lined. There is one small paintloss (1cm) at the center of the composition and 7 cm from the lower edge. There are two others small paint losses (5mm each) at 15 cm from the lower edge (along the dark blue shape). All are visible in the catalogue's illustration. Under UV light, there is an intermittent line of retouching to the black paint along the upper edge and the left edge.
"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."

signed; signed and dated on the back; oil on canvas. Executed in 1963.

" L'abstrait est une technique différente de celle du figuratif surtout pour la composition ... En effet, avec l'abstrait, les valeurs d'ombres ne comptent plus. On ne sait plus où est le fond. Toutes les parties de la composition peuvent jouer comme forme. Tour à tour elles sont ou formes majeures ou formes mineures... le fond est tout aussi important que l'objet. En ce qui concerne l'aplat, la difficulté c'est de lui donner la vie. Aussi à travers l'aplat, je cherche une transparence. La transparence donne la vie...". (Serge Poliakoff extrait 1952, in Françoise Brütsch, Serge Poliakoff 1900-1969, éd. Ides et Calendes, Neuchâtel 1993, p. 42)

Fig.1. Serge Poliakoff, bd Saint-Germain, 1954. - © D.R.