Lot 160
  • 160

Gustav Klimt

Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
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Description

  • Gustav Klimt
  • AKTSTUDIE FÜR DIE RECHTE FIGUR IN DER BRAUT (NUDE STUDY FOR THE RIGHT FIGURE IN THE BRIDE)
  • bears the inscription Nachlass meines Bruders Gustav Klimt Hermine Klimt (lower right)
  • pencil on paper
  • 56.5 by 37.8cm., 22 1/4 by 14 7/8 in.

Provenance

Hermine Klimt (the artist's sister; by descent from the artist)
Galerie Würthle, Vienna
(Probably) acquired from the above by the late owner in the 1960s

Condition

Executed on cream wove paper, not laid down, hinged to the mount at the top two corners, floating in the mount. There is a flattened crease running across the lower edge (visible when framed and in the catalogue illustration). There is some slight paper skinning and glue residue along the lower edge of the verso, probably due to previous mounting. Apart from handling marks and slight creases, mainly to the upper and lower edges, some surface dirt, a few faint spots of foxing, mainly to the lower half, and a few specks of discolouration towards the centre of the right edge, this work is in good condition. Colours: The paper tone is warmer and the medium stronger in the original.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Drawn circa 1917-18, Aktstudie für die rechte Figur in der Braut is a powerful and arresting image of a female nude, which belongs to a series of studies for the unfinished painting Die Braut (Weidinger, no. 253, on loan to the Österreichische Galerie Belvedere, Vienna). In contrast to Klimt's earlier renditions of the female nude, the present depiction bears signs of his artistic sophistication and maturity of style. Explicitly erotic, without any assigned narrative, the model is presented as the viewer's object of desire.