Gonzalo Fonseca (1922-1997)

Sale: Sotheby's, New York, Latin American Art,  November 20, 2001, lot 37, illustrated in color

The sculpture was in good condition considering its age and fragility of the material. Grey inclusions and veining were seen throughout the surface of the roughly hewn marble. The marble was moderately soiled due to handling especially on the edges of the rectangular top. Small slabs of polished stone formed a two-tier construction on the back of the sculpture. Set within the construction a small orange wooden cylindrical element was suspended on a piece of string that was secured to the top horizontal slab of marble. The string appeared aged and fraying at the end. A previous break was observed on one of the top vertical slabs. The break was stable but the adhesive in the break had yellowed. On the front of the sculpture two other pieces of marble were tethered to strings. The string attached to the cube-like stone appeared lighter in color. Both pieces of marble appeared well secured to their strings despite fraying at the end of them. The piece of tethered marble that was not inserted into the sculpture but sat flat on the tabletop was darker in color than the other. The same flat stone displayed some minor chipping along it edges. Orange staining in the form of a small circle was noted midway down the back of the sculpture. The joints have yellowed on the slab structure on the back of the sculpture. The white stone exhibited areas of diffused amber coloration throughout the surface. Tiny black and blue scuffmarks were observed on the top front of the sculpture. The rectangular cap on top of the sculpture presented minor chipping along it edges. (This condition report has been provided courtesy of Wilson Conservation.)
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.