Fahrelnissa Zeid

Collection of Israel Treiman (gift from the artist and H.R.H. Prince Zeid bin Hussein circa 1963)
Thence by descent to the present owner

London, Lord's Gallery, Fahrelnissa Zeid, 1957

Condition: This work is in good condition. Colour: The catalogue illustration is accurate, although the blue is more intense in the actual work.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This work has been with the family of Israel Treiman since 1963 when it was given as a gift by Fahrelnissa Zeid and H.R.H Prince Zeid bin Hussein. Trei, as the Prince would call him, had a trustworthy friendship with H.R.H, which began as inseparable students at Oxford University and lasted the majority of their lives.

While staying at the couple's summer villa on the island of Ischia, Italy, in 1963, Trei was taken aback by the beauty surrounding him. Later he would publish an article in the LA Times detailing his friendship and this trip in particular. It was the colours of the sky, the magnificent view of the sun, and the sight of the moon which would capture his emotions so intensely. Shortly following his return to St. Louis, Zeid sent Trei the present work as a memory of his stay with them in Italy.

Untitled embodies all of the characteristics of Zeid's oeuvre with the use of bright and warm colours that shine like Byzantine mosaics, and the textured surface created by spatula and knife scratches into layered paint.

Untitled is a rare work by a renowned artist which is seen here for the first time since being gifted to Trei almost fifty years ago.