Sigmar Polke

Galerie Michael Werner, Cologne
Luhring Augustine Gallery, New York
Private Collection, Chicago
Sotheby's, New York, November 15, 1995, Lot 48
Acquired by the present owner from the above

Rotterdam, Museum Boymans-van Beuningen; Bonn, Städtisches Kunstmuseum, Sigmar Polke, December 1983 - March 1984, cat. no. 61
Zurich, Kunsthaus; Cologne, Josef-Haubrich-Kunsthalle, Sigmar Polke, April - October 1984, p. 137, illustrated in color
New York, Mary Boone/Michael Werner, Sigmar Polke, January 1985

This work is in excellent condition overall. There are scattered areas of tiny pin point losses in the following locations: 2 small losses 17 5/8 x 18 in. from the top and 39 - 39 1/2 in. from the left, and a cluster of tiny losses with in an area at top center 37 1/4 - 40 1/2 in. from the left and 4 in. from the top. There are also some incidents of craquelure as is typical of Polke’s lacquer on linen paintings. There are two circular craquelure patterns in the upper left quadrant, located 12 to 19 in. down from the top edge and 3 ¾ - 6 ¾ inches from the left edge. In the lower area, where the lacquer is light creamy yellow, there is a network of meandering craquelure. The general area is 8 to 14 inches up from the bottom edge and 17 to 27 inches from the left edge. In this area, there is also a diagonal scuff extending from the gray and possibly dragging some of the gray pigment into the creamy yellow lacquer. It is lcoated 6 to 15 inches up from the bottom edge. Under Ultra-Violet light there are no apparent restorations to this work. The canvas is unframed.
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.