Alexander Calder

Galerie Maeght, Paris
Waddington Galleries, Ltd., London
Private Collection, New York
Sotheby's, New York, November 10, 1986, Lot 49
Private Collection, Boston
Christian Fayt Art Gallery, Brussels
Acquired by the present owner from the above circa 1993

London, Waddington Galleries and Mayor Gallery, Calder, April 1981, p. 20, illustrated
London, Waddington Galleries, Sculpture, September - October 1982, cat. no. 4, p. 14, illustrated

This sculpture is in very good condition. As is to be expected, there are scattered small paint losses overall to the edges of the disc components, the legs of the red tripod, the loop on the large yellow disc and wear to the metal rods where the components are installed and have movement. There medium size red disc has scattered thin scratches on the inner face and a 1 in. spot of paint loss, while the large red disc has a small ½ in. of paint loss on the inner face. The paint surface of the large yellow disc is subject to the effects of pooling rain water and debris from outdoor installation, particularly at the edges. Paint losses from flaking have recently been conserved with any underlying corrosion to the exposed metal addressed and primer and toning to color match the areas located as follows: two consecutive areas ranging in size from 1 ½ to 2 inches in length and extending in from the edge up to 1 ¼ inches (located approx. 10 inches to the right of the signature) and a 1 ¼ area at the edge near the tapered end of the disc. There is also diagonal of discoloration in the pigment from the back edge of the yellow disc as illustrated in the catalogue to interior opening. As with all outdoor painted Calder sculptures, it is recommended that the sculpture be regularly maintained by wiping clear of accumulated water and debris, and repainting of the surface by an authorized conservator after a period of several years.
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.