Craig Kauffman

Asher Faure Gallery, Los Angeles
Acquired by the present owner from the above in 1981

La Jolla, La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art, Craig Kauffman: A Comprehensive Survey 1957 – 1980, March-May 1981, illustrated, no. 14
Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Museum of Art; San Antonio, San Antonio Museum of Art, Art in Los Angeles: Seventeen Artists in the Sixties, July 1981–January 1982
New York, Whitney Museum of American Art, Craig Kauffman, Wall Reliefs from the Late 1960's, September–November 1987

The sculpture is in good condition considering its age and the fragility of the material. A faint yet distinctive crazing pattern was observed below the Plexiglas throughout the outside edge of the artwork. An 8” long gap was seen in the opaque white acrylic plate that covered the bottom of the artwork where the plate appeared to be detached from the Plexiglas. Seven very tiny losses in the blue paint were detected. These losses were 1/8” or smaller. The losses were inside the plexi where the surface was painted. The losses could have only occurred if the bottom plate was removed at one point and the painted surface was abraded. If the plate was never removed than it is most likely an inherent feature of the artwork. Four driplike marks were noted on the Plexiglas that ranged in size from 1-2” long. The marks appeared to have started at the edge of the Plexiglas where it came in contact with the acrylic base. The drips fall inward. The marks were slightly yellow in color and appeared to be inside the vacuum formed Plexiglas. An attempt to polish them out was unsuccessful. Adjacent to the drips small areas of white discoloration were observed as well. Three of the drips were found on the PL side of the artwork and one was on the bottom edge in the middle. Overall the painted surface inside the Plexiglas was in good condition. It should be noted that any attempt to remove the drips inside the Plexiglas might run the risk of damaging the painted surface inside if the surface was painted to the outside edges.
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.