Willem De Kooning

Elaine de Kooning, New York (acquired directly from the artist)
Christie's, New York, November 8, 1989, lot 141
Acquired by the present owner from the above sale

This work is in good condition overall. There is an undulation to the sheet, consistent with artist's use of medium. There are scattered creases particularly along the upper left corner and left side as well as the area directly above the lower right corner. The area also appears to have three tears: a 2 inch tear, a 2 3/4 inch tear which appears to have been repaired and a smaller 1/2 inch tear. The area near the upper right corner also presents 4 small tears. The left and right sides of the paper present some darkening, most noticeably in the upper half of the left side. Framed under Plexiglas.
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.

"The fugitive nature and fragility of the charcoal medium, as well as the wavering incompletion of the drawn configurations, impart transience to these figures that soon temper their joy with pathos."  - Klaus Kertess (Willem de Kooning: Drawing Seeing/Seeing Drawing, New York, 1998, p.17)