Man Ray, Max Morise, André Breton, Yves Tanguy

Acquired by the present owner's father in the 1960s
Thence by descent

Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art, In the Mind's Eye: Dada and Surrealism in Chicago Collections, 1984-1985, illustrated in color in the catalogue

 

In very good condition, the sheet is somewhat time darkened. Hinged to mat in several places around all edges on the verso. Three evenly spaced horizontal hard creases are original to the work (between each of the different artist's sections). There is a soft crease running vertically through the sheet on the left side. The sheet shows wear at extreme edges and possibly a bit of loss due to old mounting. Otherwise fine, colors are bright and fresh.
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.

Cadavre Exquis (also known Exquisite Cadaver) was a popular pastime amongst the Surrealists, led by André Breton, in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Taken from the childhood game of collective drawing, each participant contributed a drawing or words to the same sheet of paper without knowledge of others' previous or future contributions, thus creating a collective work of assembled images.

This playful game particularly appealed to the Surrealists where they could unleash their imagination, creating a surprise composition and a collection of thoughts on a single sheet of paper. André Breton would meticulously note the participants on the reverse of the composition, using his initials to AB identify himself and in the present work, 2M (double M) to playfully refer to Max Morise's initials.